VILLAGERS in Cotherstone are celebrating after buying the former Methodist chapel, which they plan to transform into a community-run shop, cafe and heritage centre.
Following the closure of the village shop and post office, residents have worked together and set up a community benefit society called The Cotherstone Old Chapel Project.
When the chapel closed, the volunteers initially looked at negotiating a long-term lease, but when this proved unworkable they tried to buy the building instead.
Mark Siswick, chairman of the project, said: “This is a great result for the whole community in Cotherstone and a testament to all the hard work that has been put in so far. This historic building has been saved for the village. There’s a lot of work to be done before we can fully open, but we’ve got a great team of volunteers waiting to get started.
“Planning permission has already been approved and we will be engaging builders for the structural works as soon as possible.”
The Cotherstone Old Chapel Project raised £120,000 from community shares and holding pop-up cafes. But the purchase of the building, along with the first phase of renovation work, has been made possible thanks to funding totalling £180,000.
Teesdale Action Partnership granted £40,000 through its towns and villages fund and county councillors Richard Bell and Ted Henderson contributed £20,000 in total from their neighbourhood funds. A further £120,000 came from Durham County Council itself. Money was also provided by Cotherstone Parish Council. The group, which took ownership of the building last Thursday, hope to open the shop and cafe by next spring with the heritage centre being created when funds allow.
Cllr Bell said: “Clearly Cotherstone has two good pubs and a church and not a lot else and it will be a great asset to residents.”
Adam White, Teesdale Action Partnership co-ordinator, said: “It is the biggest grant that we have given out in this area and there is potential for further funds from Durham County Council if they need it for the second phase of work.”
Joy Collyer, a member of the project, said: “We’re all buzzing. I was the last steward of the Methodist chapel so I have a soft spot for the building and it’s full steam ahead now to get the work started so we can open.”
Her husband, Peter, who is also involved in the project, said: “One of the first things we plan to do is repaint the front doors so people know something is happening.”
Treasurer Chris Tarpey said: “We’ve got the funding to do the renovations we need to do and get up and running later this year or early next year. We’ll carry on fundraising so we can make even more improvements and offer more amenities.
“It is going to be hard work, but rather than filling in forms and doing grant proposals we will be doing more creative work now and it demonstrates our community working together to bring a building back into use. It is a true parish project.
“We’ve got over 270 people who’ve invested in the project already, and anyone who wants to join them can do so on our website.”
For more information visit https://theoldchapel.info
