For decades it’s lain derelict, but Metro Mayor Dan Norris, alongside local Labour councillors, got a glimpse of the exciting future of Kingswood’s historic Whitfield Tabernacle, when he went to see renovation work, beginning to transform it into a community arts venue.
The 18th century building, which has deteriorated for over 20 years after a devastating fire, is being restored and turned in to an educational, performance and community arts development venue with the help of a £682,000 grant from the West of England Combined Authority, which Mr Norris leads.
Mayor Dan Norris said: “For far too long Whitfield Tabernacle has been a derelict eyesore, but that’s changing thanks to the dedication of The Whitfield Tabernacle Trust, and to funding from the West of England Combined Authority that I’m proud to lead.
“Kingswood residents can look forward to the exciting rebirth of this important part of the community’s heritage.”
The building was acquired in 2019 by The Whitfield Tabernacle Trust, which is working with South Gloucestershire Council with an ambition to fully restore the Grade-I listed building. It has a central role in the history of Kingswood as home to the birth of the non-conformist religious movement.