Efforts to save one of the UK’s most at-risk Grade One listed buildings have taken a major step forward thanks to a Bath-based housebuilding firm.
Crossman Homes bought land alongside the iconic but derelict Whitfield Tabernacle in Kingswood in May from the building’s former owners PG Group.
The tabernacle, which dates back to 1741, is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Methodist movement. Under plans being put forward by Crossman Homes and its new owners the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust, it could soon be renovated and redeveloped as a community space.
The site around the tabernacle has lain dormant for many years due to its challenging layout, complicated planning issues and viability concerns.
Crossman Homes plans to convert the existing Masters Church on the site into 19 apartments as well as building three new homes.
The company has pledged to help renovate and rebuild the neighbouring derelict burnt out shell of the tabernacle working closely with the trust, which was formed in last October.
Crossman Homes director Simon Ellis, who recently met Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore to discuss the renovation project, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this exciting development working closely with the trust, Chris Skidmore and South Gloucestershire Council.
“Our involvement provides the first realistic proposition that this ‘at risk’ Grade One listed building can be saved from collapse, bringing it back into good use for the community.”
He said Crossman Homes’ recent successful redevelopment of the Wesleyan Chapel in Kingswood meant it was well placed to tackle the challenging site.
The firm, which has completed new-build and residential conversion schemes in and around Bath, is working closely with South Gloucestershire Council planners to unlock the complicated site constraints on the Masters Church site. The work will include a new public park which Crossman Homes will gift back to the council.
Chris Skidmore said: “I was delighted to bring both Crossman Homes and the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust together for the first time to begin a dialogue about how to best progress the tabernacle’s restoration.
“Already Crossman Homes is working on a plan for the Masters Church and the wider site, which should help transform this unloved part of Kingswood. But I am extremely keen that we get a viable plan for restoring the tabernacle that will have the support of the trust and the local community together, so that we can finally end the situation of a worldwide historic site simply rotting away.
“I hope that this meeting will be the start of a conversation about how we can now move forward together, united behind a common vision of transforming Kingswood for the better, with the tabernacle a vitally important part of this regeneration process.”
South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage added: “I’ve been really impressed with Crossman Homes’ work on other sites locally, which bodes well for finally unlocking the potential of the Whitfield Tabernacle site to contribute towards an exciting future for Kingswood’s town centre.
“As a council, we look forward to examining the specific planning proposals being submitted for this site.”
Photo of Whitfield Tabernacle courtesy of Ferguson Mann Architects
