Plans to bring new life to a historic Methodist chapel have taken a step forward after developers revealed the first images of their proposals.
The Ebenezer Chapel in the West Wylam area of Prudhoe was built in 1874, but closed in 2015 due to dwindling congregation numbers.
In August, housing association Karbon Homes alongside Prudhoe Community Partnership announced they planned to create affordable homes on the site - and more details have now emerged of what the project will look like.
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The church will be extended and converted into four two-bed and one one-bedroom flat, all of which will be suitable for wheelchair users. Karbon Homes will manage the flats and they will be available for affordable rent.
The structure and external façade of the chapel would be preserved to protect its heritage, while an extension will be attached on the west side of the chapel. Karbon say the design will be "in-keeping with the look of the existing structure" and will utilise similar materials.
Vince Walsh, development manager at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re excited to be sharing our proposals for this community-led development, working closely with Prudhoe Community Partnership and other key partners to ensure the project brings long-lasting benefits to the local community.
“Providing more affordable homes that meet the needs of local people is something we’re really passionate about and we hope the community will welcome this conversion.”
Caroline Warburton, Chair of Prudhoe Community Partnership, said: “Not only are we bringing the Ebenezer Methodist Chapel back in to use, a heritage landmark that has sadly stood empty for a number of years, but we’re also developing much-needed affordable homes in the town. It’s a real win-win for West Wylam.”
Despite lying empty for a number of years, the chapel is still considered an important piece of West Wylam's heritage. When the building was put up for sale in 2021, a petition started by then town councillor Russ Greig described it as being at the "heart" of the West Wylam community.
A statement issued alongside the petition read: "The Ebenezer has been at the heart of our community since 1874 until 2015 when services stopped. It is one of the few remaining buildings of the old colliery village of West Wylam and is one of the most recognisable buildings as you enter Prudhoe.
"We cannot allow one of Prudhoe's historic buildings to be lost forever. Our community doesn't want the Ebenezer sold to a nameless property developer or investor simply for it to be demolished and lost forever to our community."
With the importance of the site to the community in mind, Karbon will be carrying out a consultation to collect the views of local residents, who can make their opinions known either online or in person. The plans will be on display at The Hub, 61 Front Street, from March 6-12, with two sessions where members of the team will be available to answer questions, Tuesday March 7 between 6pm and 8pm and Saturday March 11 between 10am and 12pm.
Plans are yet to be lodged with Northumberland County Council, according to the council's planning portal. Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South on the county council, believed the chapel had been out of use for too long.
He said: "The chapel is part of the great and long history of the town, it has been unused for too long. I look forward to discussion and consultation as I know that the public will follow this with great interest."
Karbon has said the development of the flats will be supported by funding from Homes England, through Karbon’s strategic partnership with the Government’s housing delivery agency.
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