Re-Form Heritage are excited to announce they have transformed the external vestry at Bethesda Chapel into a new educational space for Pinc College.
Re-Form Heritage took ownership of Bethesda Chapel in 2025 and is currently in the process of regenerating the Grade II*-listed building as a mixed-use space, with Pinc College as anchor tenant, alongside exhibition/ performance and heritage interpretation space. The repair works focusing on the interior of Bethesda Chapel started at the end of 2025 with grant funding provided by Historic England. Works are expected to complete during 2027. An additional phase of works will then be undertaken to further support Pinc College’s occupation of the Chapel.
The vestry was identified as an interim solution for Pinc College to take residence of the site while works continue within the main chapel and over the summer a programme of remedial works and improvements have transformed the space which was in a very poor condition into a safe, inspiring learning environment.
The challenge had been to create a more welcoming and functional space while respecting its character and the many layers of history embedded within it, so a sensitive approach was essential, ensuring the building’s story remained visible while allowing it to serve a new purpose.
The works were delivered by The Spark Group, a Stoke-on-Trent based training provider delivering construction courses and apprenticeships, including opportunities for NEET learners. Community inclusion has been central to this project, with local apprentices and trainees playing a supervised role in regenerating this heritage asset.
Light once again spills through windows that had been boarded up for years. What was once a neglected space is now filled with life, learning and purpose. The vestry provides an inspiring setting for Pinc College to deliver creative programmes that support neurodivergent learners to develop independence, confidence and skills within a unique heritage environment. This project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships, shared ambition and a commitment to community benefit.
This is the start of Pinc College’s exciting new journey at Bethesda Chapel, the first step in a much bigger story. Together, we are actively working to address the heritage challenges facing Stoke-on-Trent, bringing historic buildings back into meaningful use and ensuring they can continue to serve future generations.
Kelly Gardiner, Assistant Head of Programmes at Pinc College said “We’re delighted to have moved into the vestry at Bethesda while we prepare for our permanent move into the chapel. This is a huge step forward for our provision and means we’re closer than ever to making full use of everything Bethesda has to offer. As someone passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences, I am incredibly excited to be teaching from a heritage site with such a rich history.”
Courtney, a Pinc College Student said “It’s nice to be one step closer to our new home at Bethesda. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future space will be like when the move is complete”.
During the summer, Pinc College also made use of neighbouring One Bethesda, where Re-form Heritage worked with the building’s owner to create a pop-up exhibition space in which Pinc College held their students end of year exhibition.
Re-Form Heritage are working to make Bethesda Chapel and One Bethesda key elements of Hanley’s Cultural Quarter thanks to a Development Grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund to support this work.
Andrew Emery, CEO for Re-Form Heritage said “it’s incredibly important that we are working in partnership with Historic England to give this much-loved historic chapel a new lease of life. But this is just the first step in our wider vision to enhance the cultural quarter of Hanley as we are working on both short and longer-term plans and funding bids to bring the Grade II-listed One Bethesda building next door back to life as well. We look forward to working closely with the community as our funding plans develop further. These projects are tangible impacts resulting from our role as Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent thanks to funding support from the Architectural Heritage Fund.”