It has been over a year since the completion of the Bridgwater Energise Project, which has provided a renewed lease of life and purpose to formerly disused floors within Bridgwater Baptist Church in Somerset.
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is very pleased that its Transformational Project Grant was able to help Bridgwater Baptist Church CIO to deliver this project. Awarded in 2021, the grant, which was made possible by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport-funded Transforming Places through Heritage programme, contributed towards capital works and professional fees.
Built in 1837, Bridgwater Baptist Church replaced an earlier and more modest building on the same site, which was used for 145 years prior. Set over four floors, the Grade II*-listed building has a Classical frontage with Bath stone pediment and cornice, as well as a flight of steps up to central Egyptian-style doors.
The aim of the Energise Project was to maximise use of the whole building and to establish it as a multi-purpose space supporting wider community use and enterprise activities. Through the project, underutilised floors within the landmark building have been repaired and brought back into use as new facilities that help to strengthen the wider community and promote social and personal wellbeing.
While the middle floor has been adapted to provide a base for street pastors and youth work, the top floor has been reconfigured to create an Enterprise Offices Hub with eight small offices, shared meeting space and a kitchenette. Soon after the completion of the building works in 2023, the eight offices were rented out to a mix of charities and small/startup businesses. They have remained fully occupied ever since, providing Bridgwater Baptist Church with a regular income stream.
Images: The Enterprise Offices Hub before and after the Energise Project renovations.
Further, the cellar has been transformed into the Cellar Coffee Bar, a new wellbeing space for the public. Open every Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10am until 2pm, the Coffee Bar offers local people an opportunity to meet with other members of the community in an informal and welcoming environment. On Fridays, the Coffee Bar also hosts a Renew Wellbeing session, which is a safe, shared space where those who are struggling with their emotional and mental health can go to find connection and community.
Images: The Cellar Coffee Bar before and after the Energise Project renovations.
For more information about Bridgwater Baptist Church and the new spaces that have been made available through the Energise Project renovations, please visit:
Community Ministries and Booking Spaces | Bridgwater Baptist Church
