OTLEY Methodist Church will be sold to a community group if a crowdfunding campaign can raise £750,000 in the next three months.
The historic buildings on Boroughgate were put up for sale by Otley Methodist Church two years ago due to the cost of the upkeep.
The decision in 2021 was taken "with deep sadness and some understandable reluctance” after spiralling costs of upkeep and repairs of the large, Grade II Listed premises that span Boroughgate and Walkergate, proved to be prohibitive for the small congregation.
But now the Wesley Community Group has announced that their bid to purchase the buildings has been agreed with the church - which will continue to use it.
The group is made up of local residents who are passionate about retaining the Church buildings for existing community uses (including the Church congregation and the Church’s uniformed groups for young people) as well as developing these to fulfil what they say are important gaps in community meeting spaces in the town.
The new Minister, the Rev Cameron Stirk said: “We are delighted a local community group will take over the management of this building - a group that aligns very closely with the church’s mission of offering welcome and a place for meeting, learning, sustainability and creativity.
“We were unanimous in our agreement to accept this local offer and look forward to working with the group for a smooth transition. It has been a long journey, but we are grateful for all involved in the process.
“The Church congregation for the foreseeable future will continue to use the building for meeting for worship and other activities and events.”
Planned uses of what will become The Wesley, a “large multi-functional community hub”, include spaces for various community groups to meet and socialise; events spaces for community theatre and music events, dance nights, festivals, family events and weddings; workspaces for artists, business start-ups, remote workers; a working example of sustainable energy with a retrofit of the former caretaker's cottage which will then provide affordable housing.
Now the community group has launched a fundraising appeal to raise £750,000 by August 31 to cover the cost of the purchase, refurbishment and start-up costs.
The Chair of the Wesley Community Group, Councillor Richard Davies said: “We are excited that Otley Methodist Church’s buildings can be preserved for the continuing benefit of the local community.
“We now need the support of local people and businesses to secure the funding to complete the sale and launch The Wesley in the Autumn. Please access our Crowdfunder page at https://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/wesleyotley and contribute as generously as you can: we can’t succeed without you!”
Andrew Howarth, Community Development Lead for Otley 2030, said: “The recent successful purchase of Weston Woods, led by Otley 2030, showed what communities can achieve when they come together for a common cause.
“This is another example of how local communities can empower themselves to secure the community spaces they need to maintain active, sustainable and thriving communities. We look forward to using The Wesley to help us and other groups deliver even more for the benefit of the town.”
Andy Boyle of Otley Energy said: “The Wesley will be run as a not-for-profit community benefit society which will allow local residents to become members and help shape its future. People contributing to our fundraising can opt to make a donation or to receive a share in an ethical investment on which you could in time receive interest.”
Stefanie Stead MBE, Director of Stead & Co Architects, added: “Although we are currently focussing on getting the business up and running, we are designing an inclusive and inspiring masterplan for the building’s future use. This will be sympathetic to the building’s heritage, whilst improving long-term sustainability.”
More information about plans for The Wesley will be made available via its website at www.wesleyotley.org.uk and facebook page. The group would like to hear from community groups who are interested in finding a home for their activities at wesleyotley@gmail.com.
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