Historic chapel loses public vote

The chapel missed out on a £3m prize

A dilapidated historical chapel in Stoke-on-Trent has failed to win a much-needed make over.

The Bethesda Chapel in Hanley won the Midlands heat of BBC Two's Restoration campaign, which called on the public to help select one run-down historical building for a makeover.

But the 184-year-old building failed to win the final missing out on a £3m prize to restore it.

The building's owners The Historic Chapels Trust, already has £1m in pledges to restore the building but need another £1m.

Public meeting

Stoke-on-Trent mayor Mike Wolfe said he believed raising the building's profile could encourage the Heritage Lottery Fund to provide the remaining cash.

"They are very keen on the building and want to discuss with us the end use," he said.

"I think now we're talking enough exciting end uses that really will involve the community and the regeneration of the city."

Ideas for the chapel include a nightclub, an arts centre or a museum.

A public meeting is due to be held next month to discuss the future of the site.