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Images reveal entertainment plan for historic former church in Wolverhampton

A series of detailed new visuals have thrown light on plans to turn a historic former church in the centre of Wolverhampton into an entertainments venue hosting wedding parties and jazz concerts.

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The landmark former Darlington Street Methodist Church building in Wolverhampton city centre

Darlington Street Methodist Church – notable for its large green dome – held its last service in September 2019, closing after almost 120 years of worship.

Now a bid to transform the building into a venue capable of accommodating a variety of community functions has been submitted to the council by Rajinder Dhinsa of Wolverhampton-based Hallmark Investment Properties.

The architect’s drawings show how the interior of the landmark building will be adapted to accommodate the plans.

Councillor Lynne Moran, who represents St Peter’s ward where the former church is located, said: “I recall the Good Shepherd doing its very best to operate efficiently in this church building, which was very difficult indeed given its design, age and need for repair.

“In principle we should be preserving our older buildings of interest, but that might well be demanding in terms of refurbishment and safety requirements.

“If there is an investor willing to bring this building back to a good standard and make it commercially viable, then that is a good thing.

“Proposed use for banquets  is popular elsewhere and we would have to have actual planning grounds to object. The enhancement of evening entertainment facilities will fit in with the overall development of the city,” she added.

An architect's drawing of the proposed interior plans for the former Darlington Street Methodist Church in Wolverhampton city centre

Deputy Leader of the Wolverhampton Conservative Group Councillor Simon Bennett said: “Darlington Street Methodist Church is one of the city centre’s most historic buildings and contains a magnificent church organ. Its closure as a church was a sad loss.

“It is important that the building is restored, brought back into use and its heritage protected. Any scheme that is brought forward needs to enhance the city and it is vital that residents and local businesses alike are on board with the plans.”

The proposals also plan for the famous large church organ to be fully restored and used as a centrepiece in the interior redevelopment.

An architect's drawing of the proposed interior plans for the former Darlington Street Methodist Church in Wolverhampton city centre

However, Councillor Paul Birch, who owns and runs Revolver Records on Goldthorn Hill, said he felt the building could be better used for a different purpose.

“The classical early 20th century design of the former church lends itself to becoming a new 4*/5* hotel – which we badly need in the city centre.

“But instead of planning our city for the purpose and vision we hold, we are allowing developers to take hold of buildings and then put in their planning applications,” he said.

“Once these applications go in, planners almost always back the developers – citing planning law and regulations to support the decisions. This ties the planning committee’s hands behind its back.

“Consequently, we have a cityscape that is imagined by developers and not by the city itself, in my opinion,” he added.

Located on the corner of Darlington Street and School Street, the Grade II* listed building first opened in 1901.  Planners will make a decision on the proposals at a later date.

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