Campaign of urgent works and an options appraisal for Grade I Listed non-conformist place of worship.

The Grade I Listed Whitfield Tabernacle in Kingswood, erected by English Anglican cleric George Whitfield, one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement in 1741, is ‘the oldest existing memorial to his share in the great 18th Century revival’.

Despite its historic significance, the building became severely dilapidated and has existed as a ruin for a number of years. Ferguson Mann Architects was first involved with the site in 2006 when we conducted a site survey and feasibility studies. Following further neglect, in 2012 Whitfield Tabernacle was described by English Heritage as the most important building in the worst condition of any Building at Risk in the Southwest. The site is extremely problematic, incorporating three semi–ruinous listed buildings and a graveyard.

In 2012, working closely with Whitfield Tabernacle Trust and South Gloucestershire Council, Ferguson Mann Architects were instrumental in organising a campaign of urgent works to prevent further deterioration of these important buildings and have since completed Phase 1 of the project – the stabilisation and restoration of the building envelope, including full replacement of the windows and complete re-roofing. Phase 1 works started on site in early 2021 and successfully completed August 2022.

Phase 2 of the project is now underway and will convert the building into a community arts space, at an overall project value of £2.8m.