Newquay’s new Methodist Centre to open this summer

Wednesday, 19 March 2025 00:00

Radio Newquay's Sarah Bunt and Mark Chapple with Reverend Clare Anderson and Operations Manager - Alyce Finney from the Methodist Centre

A new Methodist Centre is set to open in Newquay this summer, which will also become the new home for Radio Newquay.

Construction of the environmentally sustainable worship and community space on Pargolla Road began last summer. Once completed, it will feature a flexible worship area, rooms for community groups, and a large kitchen with a central table where people can gather over a cuppa. Outside, a public Reflection Garden will provide bench seating, planting, a herb area, and an olive tree, which will serve as a memory tree.

The not-for-profit radio station will operate from a state-of-the-art studio within the new centre.

The Methodist Church, funded by the sale of three former churches, will replace the temporary hub in Nansledan. The church has previously been based in various locations, including Bishop’s Academy.

Newquay Methodist Minister Reverend Clare Anderson explained that the project came about after churches in the town united as one congregation.

She said: "It's going to be amazing. It will be a welcoming space where people can come together, offering warmth, a sense of belonging, and a place for the community to connect. We are delighted to welcome Radio Newquay - it perfectly reflects our vision of being a hub for the community, and we love Radio Newquay."

Radio Newquay co-founder and presenter Mark Chapple added: "We are really excited to be part of this fantastic new space. The station is a not-for-profit service for our town, run by just two part-time staff and an army of volunteers. I can think of no better place to be than in the heart of this light and airy building, which will serve as a focal point for the community."

The new building will also feature a fully accessible Changing Places toilet, designed for people with disabilities, making it one of only a few such facilities in the Newquay area.

Construction is being carried out by Poltair Construction Ltd and Hall Surveyors Ltd. In addition to the building’s construction, Poltair worked closely with the Methodist Centre before the project began, offering "valued engineering opportunities" to help deliver the project within budget. Andy Ley from Poltair said, “We are delighted to have contributed to delivering such a wonderful and exciting project, applying our skills in project cost management and technical construction knowledge. It’s a pleasure to work with the Methodist Centre, which we see as an exciting and valuable addition to the town.” Both Poltair and Hall Surveyors have also been working closely with their network of high-quality local tradespeople.

A church spokesperson praised both companies for their role in bringing the project to life, saying: "Without their hard work, determination, and collaborative approach, the project would not have progressed."