Central Methodist Church, Todmorden

The transformation of the building followed the desire of the congregation to increase public access and community use of the building, whilst improving the facilities for the church.

The building was originally a Sunday School. It became a chapel with little alteration in the 1960’s. The worship area was in the main first floor hall, with ancillary rooms and storage on the rather dark and gloomy ground floor.

The brief called for improved access and facilities for the church, with the retention of the first floor hall for community use and events. The solution was to open up the ground floor, creating a flexible space with a wide foyer café, leading to meeting rooms and a new worship area. The solid doors were removed and a new glazed entrance formed. Internal glazing and lighter colours relieve the deep plan.

To maintain the building in use throughout the works accessible toilet and micro-kitchen facilities were added to the first floor. The larger first floor hall has been retained for larger community use by groups such as the choral society and orchestra.