Express & Star

Black Country chapel could sell for £100k

A chapel which closed last year after more than eight decades of service has been put up for sale.

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Bidders are being sought to take over the Cradley Forge Methodist Chapel in Quarry Bank, which has an asking price of £100,000.

The premises in Hammer Bank opened in 1924 but closed at Easter last year.

Property firm Rightmove said the building, which is listed as a heritage asset, is in need of a major refurbishment.

The future of the site is uncertain, with Rightmove saying the building is suitable for a number of uses but it is likely to be converted rather than demolished in the event of a takeover, they say.

Quarry Bank Councillor David Sparks said it was important the new buyers don't make too many changes to the building.

He said: "This chapel is part of the rich tapestry that makes up the community of the Black Country and I hope that whoever buys it is able to maintain that heritage.

"There have been lots of examples elsewhere in the country where chapels have been converted into commercial and community sites that have fitted in with their localities.

"We have to be careful in the Dudley borough and the Black Country that we don't lose our heritage. This chapel is part of the fabric of the community."

The chapel, which includes a main hall, entrance hall, rear hall, kitchen and lobby, was well attended in the community prior to its sudden closure last year, with choirs singing and other events regularly staged at the building.

Councillor Jackie Cowell, who represents Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood, said she hoped the building could be used as a place of worship once again, if that's what the local community wanted.

She said: "That's one for the congregation but if they want it to carry on in that way, that would be the best outcome all round.

"I hope it will remain as some sort of community asset, I certainly wouldn't want it to become flats or something that is out of character with the area.

"Whatever happens it needs to involve local people, it is important everybody is happy with the new use."

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