From Risk to Revival: Hanley’s Historic Bethesda Chapel Set for a Vibrant Transformation
A Positive Future for Bethesda Chapel Thanks to Re-Form Heritage
Stoke-on-Trent charity Re-Form Heritage is set to breathe new life into the Bethesda Methodist Chapel in Hanley, a Grade II*-listed gem affectionately known as the Cathedral of the Potteries. With plans to transform the historic site into a vibrant hub for education and events, the independent heritage organisation aims to secure the chapel’s future while preserving its rich heritage.
Re-Form Heritage, renowned for its stewardship of Middleport Pottery, is currently finalising negotiations with the Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) for the transfer of the 1819 chapel. This comes as HCT prepares to wind up its operations, with Bethesda one of several historic properties being rehomed as part of a dispersal process.
The ambitious project will see Pinc College, a specialist institution supporting neurodivergent young people aged 16-24, become the chapel’s anchor tenant. Additional plans include creating performance and exhibition spaces and introducing heritage interpretation. The estimated cost for repairs, development, and activities totals £996,822.
A Sustainable Future for Bethesda
Dr Alasdair Brooks, Chief Executive of Re-Form Heritage, expressed the charity’s excitement about the project:
“We’re delighted to be taking on Bethesda Methodist Chapel as our first major project under our new status as the Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent, and to be developing a sustainable future for this much-loved site in partnership with Pinc College.
“We’re grateful to the Historic Chapels Trust for showing confidence in us as the building’s new custodians, and we look forward to working with the Friends of Bethesda Chapel and other local community stakeholders as we finalise plans for the site in the coming months. Our thanks also go to our funders from the Architectural Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England for supporting our work.”
The chapel, which closed in 1985 due to dwindling congregations, once seated 2,000 people and remains one of the largest nonconformist chapels outside London. Currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register, its condition is classified as ‘fair’.
Essential structural repairs to the exterior were completed thanks to £108,716 from the UK government’s Cultural Assets Fund, part of a wider £3.69 million investment distributed by the National Heritage Memorial Fund to safeguard endangered chapels across England. These repairs marked a key milestone in securing the chapel’s future and making it an attractive candidate for long-term ownership by Re-Form Heritage.
The chapel also gained national attention in 2003 when it came fourth in the BBC’s Restoration television series, which saw viewers vote on which listed building would win a grant for remedial works. While Bethesda did not win the competition, the exposure highlighted its historical significance and galvanised public interest in its future.
Vision for Bethesda’s Revival
Re-Form Heritage envisions a dual-purpose future for the chapel. Studio spaces for Pinc College will be installed beneath the first-floor gallery, while the main nave will be adapted for performances and public events. Original features, including the organ and gallery pews, will be retained, and new toilet and kitchen facilities will be added.
The organisation also hopes to host events for Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary celebrations this summer, with construction anticipated to begin later this year and project completion targeted for 2026. Public involvement has already played a key role in shaping these plans, with a consultation event held in August 2023 to gather feedback and ideas for the chapel’s future use.
Chris Smith, Chair of the Historic Chapels Trust, praised the decision to pass Bethesda into Re-Form Heritage’s hands:
“It is with great regret that HCT has to bring its long involvement with Bethesda to an end. But since the building must pass into the hands of others, we are absolutely delighted that the new owner will be Re-Form Heritage.
“Re-Form’s origins and deep roots in Middleport and subsequent developing status and portfolio of initiatives across Stoke-on-Trent give us great reassurance for the future. We are confident that Re-Form’s commitment to the imaginative re-use of the great city of Stoke-on-Trent’s many heritage assets - Bethesda standing proud among them - and the important activities of Pinc, their chosen tenant, will bring exciting and wholly new life to Bethesda.”
A Legacy of Community and Heritage
The project marks a significant milestone for Re-Form Heritage as it cements its position as a Heritage Development Trust. Backed by the Architectural Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Historic England, this status enables the charity to access funding, expert guidance, and grants to safeguard local historic buildings.
The viability study for Bethesda, funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund, included public consultations to gather local input. Alongside the chapel’s redevelopment, preliminary groundwork is also being undertaken for the neighbouring Grade II-listed One Bethesda Street, a privately owned former restaurant. While the chapel remains the immediate focus, future plans for the neighbouring building will complement the overall regeneration of the area.
As one of 12 organisations nationwide benefiting from a £5 million partnership between The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund, Re-Form Heritage is leading the charge to rejuvenate at-risk historic buildings and enrich the local community.
For more information about Re-Form Heritage and its work, visit Re-Form Heritage.
Bethesda Methodist Chapel at a Glance
Built: 1819
Listed Status: Grade II*
Capacity: 2,000 seats
Known as: The Cathedral of the Potteries
Current Condition: Fair (Heritage at Risk register)
Anchor Tenant: Pinc College
Estimated Project Cost: £996,822
Anticipated Completion: 2026
Follow @HeritageFundUK and @ReFormHeritage on social media for updates.