A heritage charity is exploring potential new uses for an historic Stoke-on-Trent chapel dubbed the 'Cathedral of the Potteries'.

Middleport Pottery owner Re-Form Heritage is carrying out a viability study into the grade II*-listed Bethesda Methodist Chapel in Hanley, which could eventually lead to it being given a new lease of life.

A performance and event space, a base for community groups or an educational facility are among the potential new uses for the building, which dates back to 1819. If Re-Form decides to take on the project it will apply for funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund to help it further develop its proposals, which could open the door to grants from bodies such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The neighbouring One Bethesda Street, a Grade II-listed former restaurant dating back to 1858, could also be included in the plans. As part of the viability study, Re-Form held an open day at the chapel on Wednesday to give member of the public a chance to have their say on new uses for the building.

Bethesda Methodist Chapel is dubbed the 'Cathedral of the Potteries' (LDRS).

Re-Form Heritage chief executive Dr Alasdair Brooks believes it is important that a use can be found that ensures the chapel has a sustainable long-term future. He said: "We're not looking for a use that's going to generate a large profit, but what we do need to find is a long-term use that is financially and operationally sustainable – it needs to wash its face.

"We have our own ideas, but we're not talking about those today as we don't want to influence anybody. We want to hear what people think."

Roberta Higson, secretary at the Friends of Bethsda Chapel, is hopeful that a new use can be found for the building.

She said: "I think it's a very versatile building, despite it being quite a static structure in terms of its fittings. It can be used for different types of performances. We've been able to have mobile generators when events have needed more power, and we've had light shows inside the chapel.

"But it could also be used for other things, like religious gatherings, when the building isn't hosting performances. And there are rooms here which can be used for meetings. I think the important thing is that it is well used."

Re-Form has until October to decide whether it will take on the Bethesda Chapel project.

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