Project 140

Located in the centre of the historic old town area of Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile, the building at 65 High Street has stood for 140 years as a mission hall or church for the entire time. Built by D.L.Moody, this wonderful listed building is home to Carrubbers Christian Centre. In 2023 we decided to renovate the building to ensure that it can continue to be used to serve God and share the gospel for at least another 140 years (hence the project name: Project 140). Work began in September 2025, and is scheduled to complete in late 2026. 

During the renovations our morning services are at the Faith Mission Bible College in Gilmerton in the South of the city (map), with our evening services at the German Speaking Congregation in Marchmont in the centre of the city (map). More details about our arrangements during our temporary departure from 65 High Street are covered on the Move Out page.

Why do we need to improve the building?

The core condition of the building needs improvement, but in addition there are aspects of the building which will benefit from improving.

Accessibility
  • Entrances – The accessibility to the building entrances is poor. The main entrance includes a number of steps and our side entrance is down a steep slope which concludes with a sequence of steps.
  • Mainhall - There is only one space at the back of the mainhall that anyone in a wheelchair can be placed. This has a very restricted view when others are standing, limits any involvement in the services, and reduces the ability to socialise after the service.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets are located on the lower floor with no stair free route from the main hall
  • Upstairs: There is no stair free access to the 1st and subsequent floors. This includes the Oak Hall on the first floor.

Project 140 plans to install lift access from lower to first floors, improve accessible toilets for multiple floors, create an easier access front entrance, modify the mainhall to create wider access routes to allow wheelchair access to many areas, and create a same level drinks/food area.

Flexibility for children’s ministry

We are blessed with over 90 children up to 18 years old and need more flexibility and use of space/rooms to allow us to offer the most amazing children’s and teens ministries we can.  

Plans

Diagrams of what the building will become are included in the Plans pages.

Funding

The 2023 estimate for the work was £1.8m, to be covered in part by selling the manse, obtaining grants and external funding, with a large portion from donations and pledges.

If you'd like to financially support the project, a Pledge Form is available to communicate your intent.