The Wakefield Council has approved the conversion of Micklegate Methodist Church, located in the heart of Pontefract, from a house of worship into commercial space for shops.
The structure ceased functioning as a church in August 2024 and has since been listed for sale.
The proprietors of Major Floor Coverings intend to relocate their enterprise into the structure after the choice was made.
The firm is presently operating out of a facility located closeby on North Baileygate.
A statement issued on behalf of the company stated: “The petitioner and his spouse will be the sole employees.”
The objective is to acquire a more contemporary facility, enabling the company to grow.
The structure dates back approximately a hundred years but underwent partial reconstruction in 1968 after a fire.
The plan involves allocating approximately one-third of the interior space for retail purposes, while the rest will primarily serve as a storage zone.
There are no plans for exterior modifications to the current structure.
Several modifications are suggested for the car park to facilitate the delivery of carpets to the location and enable installers to transport them directly to clients.
The candidate mentioned that the project adheres to the council’s strategy for enhancing connections between Pontefract Castle and the town center, aiming to attract more visitors to these locations.
The statement further mentioned: “This move will enable the growth of a thriving hometown enterprise.”
“Its position, in an edge of centre location, will support rather than undermine the vitality of the town centre.
The proposal aims to revitalize the region by identifying a new purpose for an underutilized structure and introducing an appealing feature that would boost pedestrian traffic throughout the vicinity.
The council’s conservation official mentioned that the church holds “local historical significance” but raised no objections to the proposal.
They stated: “This structure is located inside the Pontefract Castle conservation area and significantly enhances the character and visual appeal of this zone.”
The officer mentioned that any new signs for the business should be “thoughtfully created to avoid diminishing the importance of the structure.”
They additionally mentioned that an extra report documenting the interior architecture of the building should be taken into account prior to making any modifications.
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