South Gloucestershire Council has started the next major phase of restoration work on the historic Whitfield Tabernacle in Kingswood.
The Grade I listed building, located in the heart of Kingswood, is being transformed into an exciting new community facility. Following the successful completion of initial work to secure the structure and install a new roof, full restoration is now underway.
Over £1 million is now being invested to revitalise the Tabernacle, which dates back to 1741. Historically, it served as a vital community space where local miners learned to read, and the building is now being brought back into use for the benefit of the community.
South Gloucestershire Council is working alongside contractor Carrek Ltd to restore the Tabernacle into a modern facility that will serve the people of Kingswood and the wider area. Once completed, the building will play a central role in Kingswood’s emerging cultural quarter, providing a hub for arts, heritage, and education.
The Tabernacle is owned by the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust, which has worked closely with development partners including South Gloucestershire Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WEMCA), Historic England, and Ferguson Mann Architects. The current phase of development is funded by WEMCA as part of the ambitious Kingswood Masterplan, with the Tabernacle making a significant contribution to the regeneration of Kingswood town centre.
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member and Heritage Champion, councillor Chris Willmore, said: “Whitfield Tabernacle is internationally significant and we are proud to be safeguarding this piece of Kingswood’s heritage, and be bringing it back into use as a vibrant community space.
“This is part of a wider, ambitious programme of regeneration shaped by the wishes of residents, as outlined in our Kingswood Masterplan. I would like to thank the Tabernacle Trust and all our partners for their dedication, passion, and hard work in helping to safeguard it for future generations. It is fitting we are bringing it back to life and into use as community facility once more.”
Reverend Anthony Hick, Chair of the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust, said: “The Tabernacle is a special and unique building. The original structure was built during a time of great transformation in Kingswood, and it’s incredibly exciting to see the result of years of effort culminating in a valuable community asset for the area.”
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. To learn more about the future of the Tabernacle, visit: https://thetabernaclekingswood.org
