David Skaith was given a tour of the historic Wesley Centre before the meeting, which was chaired by Cllr Carl Les, the Leader of North Yorkshire Council, and attended by around two dozen members from the Partnership Board of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered in the region by North Yorkshire Council.
A significant landmark for Malton and Ryedale, the Wesley Centre has been a major beneficiary of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It secured £370,000 towards its transformative capital project to create a vibrant community and events space – in a rapidly growing community.
Cllr Les, said: “The Wesley Centre has served the people of Malton and Norton for over 200 years, and we believe that the positive impact of the changes underway will be of significant benefit to an expanding community and for the rural economy as a whole in this part of southern Ryedale.”
The major restoration project, led by the former mayor of the market town, Paul Emberley, will sustain the building’s heritage for generations to come.
Mayor David Skaith said: “Projects like the Wesley Centre are crucial for the prosperity of our rural communities. They preserve our heritage, while providing essential spaces for local people, for cultural events, and a great many community gatherings. Initiatives such as this breathe new life into our towns, and ensure they remain vibrant and inclusive for future generations.”
The Wesley Centre, recognised as a key cultural and community hub, has been a focal point of Malton for over two centuries. The ongoing works will allow the Centre to serve even more people, including as a major classical concert venue for the region.
Paul Emberley, Development Lead at the Wesley Centre, said: “This funding marked a pivotal moment in the Wesley Centre’s journey. It’s not just an investment in bricks and mortar, but in the future of Malton’s community.
“With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s support, we’ve been able to near-complete one of the major phases of our scheme, transforming the Wesley Centre into a dynamic space that serves everyone, from concert-goers to local families. It’s a testament to the belief in our project, and the significant impact it will have for generations to come. We’re incredibly grateful to the Fund.”
The £2 million project to date has been funded by the Methodist Church in Great Britain, government grants, other grant-making trusts, through personal donations, and some loan finance.
Open all day, every day, the new state-of-the-art facility will feature a 600-seater classical concert hall, a community café, and spaces for conferences and events, while continuing to serve as a place of worship on Sundays.
It will also continue to host the Malton Free Fridge project.
The Malton Wesley Centre will re-open the current phase, its restored large main space, in November this year.
For more information about the Wesley Centre and its transformational project, visit the Centre’s website at https://www.maltonwesleycentre.org/
