Plans to turn former chapel into ‘vibrant community space’ given go-ahead

The space will feature a café and wellness space

Plans have been approved for a former chapel to become a “vibrant community hub”. Back in May, Mr D Daly submitted plans to turn the former Masonic Hall in The Crescent, Wisbech into a community space.

The plans proposed that the building would include a health and wellbeing centre and a café, and it would also be used as a community space and for events. The applicant said the Crescent Wellness Club would bring a “historic building back into use”.

They also said the space would provide a “welcoming and inclusive environment supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, alongside community and creative use”. The wellness space will offer mental health and wellbeing workshops, therapy and group support sessions.

The basement area will also be used for yoga, Pilates, reformer Pilates and sound healing. Fenland District Council has now approved the plans.

Before approval, there was a mix of objections and support for the application. A resident in Lerowe Road objected to the plans as they said there was “no provisions made for wheelchair access”.

The Wisbech Society said they “welcomed” the plans, but they did raise some concerns. One of these concern was about a potential “nuisance” to neighbours.

A spokesperson for the society said: “The design and access statement notes long operational hours of 7am to 9pm with a café in operation from 8am to 5pm with a capacity for 50.

“Also, an estimate of a possible 208 users at one time. We wish the enterprise well, but this will have a significant impact on neighbouring residents in this prime location in Wisbech.

“We wish to have assurance that all measures will be taken to alleviate any disturbance; including use of on street parking and noise.”

Another resident in Union Place was in support of the plans. They said: “It is refreshing to see a large public building and period property being restored and put to use in the community when so many others in town are derelict and slowly going to ruin.”