Specific need
Community Hub is seeking structural survey support and drawings for Bath Methodist Church at Weston
Location
South West
Organisation
Newbridge Community Hub
Reference No.
26 732
What do they need help with?
Newbridge Community Hub is seeking pro bono support to undertake a structural survey of Bath Methodist Church at Weston, Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3PW. The building is being put up for sale by the Methodist Church, creating a risk to the future of the wide range of community activities that currently take place there.
The church is the only community centre in the Newbridge electoral ward, which has more than 4,500 eligible voters. At least 250 local residents of all ages benefit from weekly events held in the building, with many more attending annual or occasional events. Current users include a pre-school for 40 children, the only one in the area, as well as youth groups, exercise, activity and wellbeing groups, arts groups, church worship, other community groups and private party hirers. The building has not been used for Methodist church services for four years.
Newbridge Community Hub was formed in March 2026 by local people who want to secure the future of the building for community use. The group has gathered local views and widespread support for retaining the building. In May 2026, Bath and North East Somerset Council designated the building as an Asset of Community Value. This gives time-limited protection, stopping an immediate sale to a property developer and giving Newbridge Community Hub exclusive rights to negotiate with the current owner until 26 November 2026.
The group’s vision is to maintain and enhance the building as a vibrant community hub, hosting more social, educational and leisure activities for the whole Newbridge community. It is currently a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (number 1218894), with funds to be reinvested in the church building as a community centre.
Newbridge Community Hub is seeking a structural survey and set of drawings that sets out the building’s current condition, any immediate or imminent repair requirements, and likely future repair and maintenance needs. The building has two levels: a traditional stone and brick church building dating from 1890, with a pitched roof and an approximate footprint of 195 sq m; and a lower section of similar footprint, including the pre-school and smaller rooms, with a small modern extension.
This survey would help the group understand the condition of the building before entering formal discussions about acquiring it or agreeing a long-term lease.
Timeline
As soon as possible
About the organisation
Newbridge Community Hub was formed in March 2026 by local residents in Bath who want to protect Bath Methodist Church at Weston for long-term community use. The building is currently home to a wide range of activities and is the only community centre in the Newbridge electoral ward.
The group’s aim is to maintain and enhance the building as a vibrant, inclusive community hub. Current activities include a pre-school, youth groups, exercise and wellbeing groups, arts activities, worship, community meetings and private events. Newbridge Community Hub wants to build on this existing use and create more opportunities for local people to come together through social, educational and leisure activities.
Bath and North East Somerset Council designated the building as an Asset of Community Value in May 2026, recognising its importance to the local community. Newbridge Community Hub is now focused on raising funds to either acquire the building or negotiate a long-term lease with the Methodist Church.
The community centre already supports youth groups including Brownies, Beaver Scouts and Tigerlilies. Newbridge Community Hub wants to expand this kind of activity, helping address a lack of youth provision in the local area.