Heritage Redevelopment & Re-Ordering Scheme

The Grade B Methodist chapel at St John's, Ponderlaw Street, Arbroath is a small octagonal chapel constructed of stone rubble and a slate roof. It was originally opened by John Wesley in 1772, remodelled with a new porch and gallery in 1882. It is said to be the oldest remaining Methodist church remaining in Scotland.

The chapel has recently undergone a re-development scheme which sought to re-establish the heritage of the building, improve accessibility and create a warm and welcoming space for church and community groups. The hall has also been repurposed to include a social enterprise café to develop a sustainable model for the building going forward.

The total cost of the scheme was £500,000

Professional Advisor: Voigt Architects, Arbroath (more information on the scheme is available on their web pages, including the following text about the project:

" The proposal respects the character and identity of the existing building by minimal alterations and a sympathetic new entrance. The contemporary glass entrance will also provide a more open and visible presence for the church from the street, and the modern addition signifies the improvement works within the building. The entrance also incorporate the Church’s new logo, again a signal of the change within both the building and Church identity.

The space would also allow for a ‘welcome hall’ to greet visitors and will also function as main access to café/hall at the side. Glass on both sides of the hall allow for views right through to the main space from the entrance.

The main hall has had a former balcony removed (a later Victorian addition to the existing building), to allow the octagonal space to be restored to its former glory. The stage was removed (that took up over a 1/3 of the original floor space) to allow the whole space to become single level. This allowed for total accessibility and flexibility for a wide range of activities to be carried out: a church service, an exercise class, a conference. The large tall windows openings were all retained, and the existing stained glass windows on show behind the secondary glazing system. The space feels much brighter and open. "