Planning permission has been granted for a new national landmark to answered prayer in Coleshill, to the east of Birmingham.
It is intended that building work commence in Spring 2021, with completion in late 2022. When opened, the ‘Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer’ is expected to attract 300,000 visitors each year. Those visiting the site will be welcomed at a visitor centre, complete with bookshop and cafe. Visitors will be able to walk around the wall, which will consist of one million bricks, each one of which will host a story of answered prayer. The stories on each brick will become visible through mobile phone technology.
The stated aims of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer are to preserve the Christian heritage of the nation, to ignite faith for prayer at the national level and to reveal Christ to the nation. As project leader Richard Gamble puts it, ‘We want to celebrate and remember all the prayers that God has answered for individuals throughout our nation’s history. Each answered prayer could provide hope to those who visit. Our desire is to create thought-provoking public art and offer a space for recreation and reflection for everyone. Our hope is that those who visit will see how God can bring peace in life’s storms and be encouraged to reflect on the power and relevance of prayer.’
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says, ‘I am delighted Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer has now finally got planning permission and work can get underway. It’s an incredibly ambitious, stunning project and is a landmark for the Midlands. It has been a long process, but this landmark will serve as a place of hope for many, and one that will help us remember the Christian heritage of our nation. A massive thank you should go to everyone involved who has turned this vision into reality.’
At 168 feet (51 metres) tall, the huge structure will be far larger than the iconic ‘Angel of North’ and the statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ in Rio de Janeiro. Situated where the M6 intersects with the M42, it will be seen by millions of passing motorists each year. The new HS2 rail line will run adjacent to the site. Aeroplanes preparing to land at Birmingham Airport will fly over the landmark.
View a short video about the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer.
Submit your personal story of answered prayer.
This article first appeared on the Birmingham Churches Together website.
Photo credit: CGI created by Renderloft, designed by Snug Architects