The renovation of the historic Wesley Chapel in Hartlepool is about to enter an exciting new phase with the launch of the internal fit-out.
The project, part of Hartlepool Borough Council’s ambitious Town Centre Masterplan and part-funded through the £25 million Hartlepool Town Deal, involves the Council working in partnership with owners Jomast to transform the once-derelict building into a 36-bedroom boutique wedding and events venue.
The internal fit-out involves installing partitions whilst also carrying out a range of mechanical and electrical works.
Jomast Site Manager Dan Wheatley, a former Hartlepool College of Further Education student, said: “We made great progress in 2024, meeting all our targets within the programme. We completed the external envelope works, the work to the new roof, the façade and the windows, and we are pleased to be now moving on to the internal fit-out.
“The renovation of the Wesley Chapel is a great project to be involved in; it is very positive for the area, and when completed, it will add a lot of value to Hartlepool.”
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Creating a prosperous Hartlepool with a thriving, growing economy is about building the foundations, and the Wesley Chapel is a great example of that.
“We want people to come, stay and spend their money on attractions like the new Highlight building, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and in local shops and restaurants, so we need to have a great offer that attracts them in.
“The Wesley is a key part of that and it is fantastic to see the progress that is being made. It is a wonderful building with such an amazing history, so it is great to see it being restored to its former glory. I look forward to the project being completed.”
Darren Hankey, Chair of the Hartlepool Town Deal Board, said: “The building has been here since 1872, just over 150 years, and it has had a variety of uses in that time, but all the members of the board are really excited about its latest manifestation.
“Great progress is being made with the scaffolding coming down and new windows going in, so there are some really exciting times ahead.”
The new-look Wesley Chapel is scheduled to open its doors in early 2026.
