A campaign to buy and convert Trinity Methodist Church in Woodhouse has reached its £100,000 fundraising target. The church has stood empty for about 15 years.
The overall purchase price is £125,000. The building's current owner has pledged £25,000 towards the sale, with the Woodhouse and District Community Forum (WDCF) raising £40,000 in five months. Additional funding has been approved through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a planning charge used by local authorities to help deliver infrastructure that supports development in their area.
Community Theatre Plans
The WDCF announced in May it had six months to raise the funds as part of plans to create a community theatre and social space within the building.
Jack Taylor, chairman of the WDCF and Darnall Musical Theatre Company (DMTC), said: "Our community has worked so hard to raise £40,000 in just five months, and the funding approved by our Woodhouse ward councillors means we can now move towards purchasing Trinity."
Local Support and Consultation
Local councillors Mick Rooney and Alison Norris said in a joint statement: "We have been working on getting a constructive use for Trinity Methodist Church since 2023. Residents made it clear in the 'Putting the Heart back in Woodhouse' consultation that a big priority is regenerating the village centre."
Next Steps
The purchase has not yet been completed. The proposals will be developed subject to necessary surveys, permissions and further funding. The WDCF and DMTC will continue fundraising for restoration and adaptation work.
Taylor said: "There is still a great deal of work ahead, but we are closer than ever to bringing Trinity back to life."
