The church has recently secured unused office space on the corner of Vincent and Hall streets, adjoining its current location.

Senior pastor Luke Main said Hope Valley was able to link the two premises, which would firstly allow for regular church activities such as the weekly children’s Playtime group to expand as well as cater for the ever-increasing number of worshippers on Sundays.

Pastor Main said making the space accessible and usable for the Cessnock community was the main focus of the expansion, with services such as free Wi-Fi, free tea and coffee, public toilet facilities planned as well as staff helping locals with gaining access to counsellors and other health services.

“We want this to become a place where everyone feels welcome and included,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if they attend church or not, it might be someone wanting to come in and check their Facebook or just grab a coffee.

“Perhaps they are going through a rough time and just want to have a chat.”

An official opening will be held on Easter Sunday (April 5) at 9.30am.