By Harry Mottram: While there was no shortage of ideas from the 100 or so members of the public who packed Axbridge Town Hall on Monday, 25th November 2024, as to how the redundant methodist church in the town could be repurposed there was no conclusion as to what form it would take. An arts centre, a creche, a youth centre, a cinema, a music venue, a training and education hub – the ideas came thick and fast.
Convening the public meeting were Paul Hughes and Pete Harding both of West Street where the church is located who brought structure to the meeting which was designed to see if there was a public appetite to take on the building for some form of community use. Also on the panel in an advisory role were Axbridge Town Councillor Pauline Ham, Axbridge Mayor Graham Page, the Methodist circuit property steward Malcolm Gale and the minister who would have taken charge of the church if it hadn’t been made redundant Rev Andrew Bell.
Cllr Pauline Ham for the town council said they were facilitating the meeting and supported the Arts Community Group but the project was driven by them not the council. Pete Harding said the meeting was for the public to express their ideas and suggestions for the church but also to see if there were people who would volunteer to take a part in taking the project to the next step.
It became clear that both Paul and Peter together with Barbara Wells had been in communication with the church authorities during the year over a possibility of turning the redundant church into a type of arts centre – confirmed by Andrew Bell. He said once they realised they were serious they had to listen – but he said from the Methodist Church’s point of view they would seek the highest price for the building in order to help fund other churches in the area or even to use to build a new modern one. Andrew Bell said the Methodists’ Leadership Team would make a decision on any offer by March or they would be putting the church up for auction. The last valuation was for £300,000 (this figure is apparently £200,000 – ref Pete Would) although whatever usage it had in its future much more would be needed for modernisation and updating whether it went for homes or an arts centre.
Paul Hughes proposed a three year initial lease to help establish the viability of the building as a community arts centre but they would need to know the running costs such as insurance, utilities and repairs first.
A member of the audience asked about any restraints the Methodist Church would insist on if it was leased in such an arrangement – and it became clear that the serving of alcohol would be prohibited. This created much discussion as the sale of booze helps to fund many a community event although it was pointed out that a pop up café in the school room could fund any overheads and even create a fund for any future purchase.
From the floor Phil Saunders asked if the church would like a preferred leaseholder while Tony Wilson asked if there were any significant issues with its structure. Malcolm Gale said there were occasional running repairs but there was ‘nothing inherently wrong with in.’ Mr Gale said the building would have gone on sale in September but for the talks with Paul and Pete.
The floor was then open to ideas should there be a three year lease with an option to buy later be offered. David Parkin was keen for it to be used for education and training to include young people, while others suggested a child care facility, usage as a youth club – table tennis being mentioned. A cinema to replace the former Roxy was another while an exhibition space for photography, fine art and illustrations was suggested and even an artist is resident was yet another idea. Janet Gwynne suggested the church could become a wedding venue although Andrew Bell said this may not be sanctioned by the church under a lease – although if it was sold the owners could ‘do what they wanted with it.’ Helen Stevenson liked the idea of a music centre for musicians and teaching, while Barry Cawston proposed the name of The Axbridge Ark as a way of including all ideas and with a nod to the church’s history as a biblical centre. And he cited the example of St David’s Hall in South Petherton that was successfully converted by the community into a performance and arts centre. With solar panels, he said it could also be a warm space as well with reduced electricity bills. Philippa McQueen suggested a community library and even a tool library for residents to take tools out on loan for DIY projects.
A commercially run café would make a profit said one lady who thought it could be run by volunteers and even employ a manager eventually. William King liked the idea of a comedy club and asked if the church would have any issues with comedy. The answer was no but alcohol was a non-no repeated Andrew Bell. Andy Laken also raised the fact there was no parking at the church and it was ‘up the hill’ and not in the Square like the Town Hall.
Tony Wilson said ‘playing the devil’s advocate’ the Government and local authority were under pressure to build more homes and the building could be homes or flats as had happened to other former religious buildings – with a strong demand locally for properties – especially one or two bedroom apartments.
Perhaps the most imaginative idea was from an American lady (who I believe was Isobel Edwards) in the audience. She said if the town hall was sold the money would be enough to buy the church. She made the fair point the church had far more potential with its basement rooms and excellent acoustics compared to the town hall – and had potential for multiple usages – all at the same time. This idea was original but the Town Trust who are charged with looking after the Grade II listed town hall would have other ideas. Shipham was given as an example where unsuitable older halls were sold allowing the village to build a customised village hall complete with rooms and a car park with the money.
As the meeting came to an end after nearly 90 minutes Pete Harding asked for those interested to give their details to him and Paul so as to form a steering group to take the project further. All the time Jane Anderson wrote up the various ideas on sheets of large paper stuck to the wall. Tony Wilson gave a vote of thanks to Pete and Paul for their work so far and there was also thanks to the Methodist church’s representatives.
Earlier Paul Hughes wrote the following notes ahead of the meeting:
As you may be aware the Axbridge Methodist Church finally closed its doors to worshippers in the summer after serving the local community for over 150 years. Axbridge Methodist Church is a great example of mid-19 Century gothic architecture and is a grade 2 listed building. As well as the church hall itself there is a large open plan basement that has been used in the past by local community groups. Following approaches made to the Methodist Church Council they have suggested that the building could be retained for alternative community use providing commercial conditions are met. An informal group of local people has expressed an interest in potentially using the building as an arts centre for Axbridge and the surrounding area. This could include a range of performing arts as well as being a base for practicing creative arts and hosting exhibitions. However, the building could be used for a range of alternative or combined activities. With the support of Axbridge Town Council a public meeting to consider the future use of the building will be held at 7.30 pm on Monday 25th November in the Town Hall.
Axbridge Review is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.
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