Newark Baptist Church on Albert Street set be converted into antiques centre

Plans to convert a church into an antiques centre with a tea room have been submitted.

The application to Newark and Sherwood District Council is for Newark Baptist Church on Albert Hall, which plans to relocate.

Russell Lovatt bought the church last summer and hopes the change will bring more people into the building.

The exterior will remain intact as the new owner wants to preserve the heritage value of the property.

Russell said: “I believe having the antiques centre and the tea room will be more accessible and attractive to a larger section of the community.”

In the future the building might be used for art exhibitions for local artists to showcase and sell their work.

It is planned that a monthly book club will meet up in the tea rooms, where parents can meet up after taking their children to school.

Mr Lovatt said: “I envisage an open door policy where all will be welcome and include everyone from whatever background, made up of those who love the church and still see the building remain for its history and social contribution.

“We have to give the community a reason to step over the threshold and it is important to keep it open.

“To change the Baptist Church into an antiques centre will hopefully keep the church alive.”

It is intended by the owner to employ local knowledgeable staff.

Car parking will be the same as for the Baptist Church.

Newark Baptist Church will not be closing or ceasing its charitable or community support work, but will be relocated to more suitable and cost-effective premises.

Sara Brumhead, Newark Baptist Church minister, said: “We have loved worshipping in our old building, pictures of which you can see on most pages of the site.

“But it is time to move on to a new chapter in the life of the church, which requires a different type of building. The old church building had several large meeting rooms, which were expensive to heat and required a lot of maintenance.

“This sapped time, money and resources away from the things we feel God is calling us to be and do.

“So as sad as it was to say goodbye, we have sold and moved out of our old building.”