STA - Feasibility Study for Bethesda Chapel

The Historic Chapels Trust has begun a process of winding down and is in the process of seeking new owners for its chapels via a Disposals Programme. The English Heritage Trust (EHT) is considering whether to take ownership of Bethesda Chapel, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, in line with their Acquisition Strategy (currently in draft form). This is due to its historical significance and a geographic location in Staffordshire which is underrepresented by EHT sites.

This brief is to produce a Feasibility Study for the chapel so EHT can make an informed decision. This study will build on, and update, the options appraisal in the Way Forward Report (Oct 2018) that was produced by the CCT. That report recommended enhancement of the existing low key visitor attraction offer with mixed commercial and community arts, performance, and hospitality uses.

The preferred option for EHT is that the chapel be open to visitors, as a visitor attraction and to increase its financial viability, so the study will explore a mixed model of public access and commercial opportunities (beyond a typical visitor facility and EHT retail offer), to include further income opportunities for catering, retail, rental of spaces in the chapel, events.

Since 2018 there have been developments in the local socio-economic context of Stoke on Trent. EHT would like to explore potential partnerships, such as with the higher education, community, museums, ceramic and artist programmes and potential funding streams. Initial conversations with potential partners have identified a possible need for a cultural space for use by local organisations. The report produced will include identification of potential partners (including funding partners) and report on interviews held with these organisations which outline their requirements, aims, needs and desired outcomes.

This piece of work will build on the Way Forward Report (Oct 2018), and provide updates, further information, and analysis to assist EHT in their decision making.