Work begins on new Worship and Community Centre

Work has begun on a new Salvation Army Worship and Community Centre to be based in the Cowgate area of Newcastle.

The Newcastle City Temple Corps (church) will be built on the site of the former Methodist Church in Stamfordham Road and is expected to open next summer. The Corps is currently operating from a temporary home at the Brunswick Methodist Church. We have been grateful for the support of our friends there.

Salvation Army Corps (church) leader Major Liz Hancock said: “We’re delighted that work is beginning on what will be our permanent home. As well as being a place of worship, the centre will serve the community with a programme of activities and support services for those in need, with a Christian ethos behind it.

“I have had really positive conversations with residents and businesses in Cowgate about what they would like to see from The Salvation Army. This new hall will provide us with some wonderful opportunities to serve the needs of those within the local community and wider city of Newcastle even more effectively.”

The Salvation Army has a 142-year history in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Since 1889, the City Temple Corps was based between Bath Lane and Westgate Road, however spiralling costs associated with the building forced them to leave in 2008. For the past 13 years, they have been housed in the Brunswick Methodist Church in Brunswick Place.

The work is being carried out by Shaun Ramsey Construction with an official ‘groundbreaking ceremony’ marking the start of building work after the demolition of the former Cowgate Methodist Church, which had stood empty for two years.

The Salvation Army is also fundraising for the project by inviting people to ‘Buy a Brick’.

Major Liz added: “We'd like to invite you to partner with us as we prepare to commence on this new and exciting chapter. Would you consider 'Buying a Brick' to help us in the building of ‘the Temple’?”

Major David Burns, Divisional Commander for the North East of England, said: “The Salvation Army in Newcastle has a long history of serving the people of the city. This new facility will enable us to house our church and community work into the future. We look forward to sharing the love of God in practical and new ways across the City.”

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