Work starts on Bethel Community Church after it was gutted by fire

The Grade II-listed building, which dates back to the 19th century, was destroyed in June 2018 after a fire started in the old Zanzibar nightclub next door, quickly spreading to the church.

But last week, a nine-week closure of Stow Hill started, allowing for workers to clear the shell of the historic building ready for the rebuild to get underway.

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Pastor Andrew Cleverly said the work marked an exciting time for the church, and for the community as a whole.

Bethel Church in flames in 2018

“As a church, we are trying not to look back too much,” he said. “We could sit there moaning about what happened, but I feel we get more of a purpose by looking forward.

“Now something is being done, I’m getting quite excited about it.

“We have put all the plans in place, which have been approved. They have to go through a lot of stages to be approved, as it is a listed building. Everyone has said they are excited about the plans."

(Bethel Church on Stow Hill clad in scaffolding. christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

The rebuilt church will feature a new entrance off Stow Hill, an open entrance hall and lobby as well as a lounge and coffee area, along with a main worship area upstairs, which will seat around 400 people.

The designs also include a lift from the entrance to the upper levels of the church.

(Work starts on Bethel Church on Stow Hill. christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

Pastor Andrew said keeping the church’s traditional feel was important when drawing up the plans.

“We are trying to keep some of the historical elements of the church which may have survived the fire,” he said.

(An artist's impression of the rebuilt Bethel Church. Picture: Bethel Community Church/Caroe & Partners Architects)

“We have a cast iron balustrade that goes around the balcony, and some of the cast iron pommels and door hinges.

“These can't be used functionally now, but we will try to use them in the rebuild in an artistic way if we can.

“The ceiling was quite unique, as it was all wood. We are going to try and recreate it as much as possible.”

Pastor Andrew said he hopes the work will be completed by the end of 2021.

(An artist’s impression of the view from the gallery and the roof in the rebuilt Bethel Community Church. Picture: Bethel Community Church/Caroe & Partners Architects)

Looking back at the night when the church was engulfed in flames, Pastor Andrew said: "It was devastating. We have a congregation of around 200, and many of them came down and stood and watched.

"We knew there wasn’t anything we could do, but we were there to support each other.

“Everyone in the whole community was so supportive and so sympathetic.

“It was quite a dark time for us, but we can now see a light on the horizon.

(An artist’s impression of the entrance at Bethel Church. Picture: Bethel Community Church/Caroe & Partners Architects)

“I'd like to thank the whole community and our neighbours for having patience with us.

“I'd also like to thank the local council who we have worked closely with, and all the engineers, contractors and architects, as we have a great team all working together.”

Pastor Andrew also thanked Havelock Street Presbyterian Church of Wales, who have hosted Bethel Community Church's congregation since the fire.

Stow Hill is due to re-open to traffic on Sunday, May 10.