PromSpace – Revitalising a Community Asset on Douglas Promenade

Manx Lottery Trust was pleased to be able to support the PromSpace project – officially opened in January 2026. 

PromSpace is a new multi-use community hub created within the lower ground floor of Promenade Methodist Church on Douglas Promenade. Officially opened in January by the Rev Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference, the project marks a significant turning point for a historic building that only a few years ago faced the real prospect of closure. 

Delivered through a £160,000 refurbishment programme, the project has transformed an underutilised area of the church into a modern, flexible and accessible community facility designed to serve a wide range of social, cultural and charitable activities. 

The opening of PromSpace also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the church building itself, first opened on 22 January 1976, providing a fitting opportunity to celebrate both heritage and renewal. 

Background and Need 

The Methodist Church has been part of the Douglas promenade landscape since the development of the promenade in the 1870s. The original Loch Parade Primitive Methodist Chapel was among the first buildings erected to serve visitors and residents of the growing seaside town. 

Over time, changing social patterns and declining congregation numbers led to parts of the building, particularly the former Sunday school space, becoming largely redundant. By the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, the church was at a crossroads, with tight finances and difficult decisions required about its future viability. 

Despite these challenges, there was strong recognition within the congregation and wider community that the church occupies a unique and highly visible position on the promenade and represents the only Christian presence along this key public frontage. Closing the building would have meant the loss of a valuable community asset at a time when accessible, affordable spaces were increasingly in demand. 

The Intervention 

In response, a “Prom Future” working group was established during the pandemic to explore sustainable options for the building’s future. The group reviewed finances, explored income generation opportunities and, crucially, re-imagined the church’s role as a community-facing space rather than solely a place of worship. 

The decision was taken to refurbish the lower ground floor to create a flexible hub capable of supporting both church and community use. Works began in August 2025 and were completed on schedule earlier this year. 

The refurbishment has included: 

• New ceilings and flooring throughout 
• Modern, energy-efficient heating and lighting 
• Upgraded facilities suitable for year-round use 
• Installation of a full-size cinema screen for presentations, film screenings and events 

The result is a high-quality, welcoming space that meets modern expectations while remaining affordable and accessible. 

Outcomes and Impact 

• PromSpace is already repositioning the Promenade Methodist Church as a thriving community church with a sustainable future. The new facility provides: 
• Additional income-generation potential to support the ongoing maintenance of the building 
• A high-quality venue for third-sector organisations, charities and community groups 
• Flexible space for family and social gatherings, celebratory events, mums and tots groups, film showings and art exhibitions 
• By opening the space to the wider community, the project strengthens social connections, supports local organisations and ensures continued active use of a prominent heritage building. 

Future Use and Sustainability 

PromSpace will be actively promoted to community, voluntary, charitable and business organisations as a comfortable, adaptable and cost-effective venue. The church’s leadership views this as a long-term investment in both financial resilience and community wellbeing, ensuring that the building continues to evolve in response to local needs. 

As Juan Clarke, Chair of the Project Working Group, explained at the opening: “This is now being seen as a community church, offering spaces for use by community organisations. Our aim is to make this a welcoming, widely used and affordable space available to all.” 

In addition to support from the Manx Lottery Trust the project has been made possible through the generous support of, Isle of Man Methodist Circuit Model Trust, The Kelly Trust, Lord Cockfield Trust, Members and friends of Promenade Methodist Church. 

The investment has enabled a once-underused space to be transformed into a vibrant community asset with lasting social value. 

The MLT Community Awards Programme supports projects that improve communities and the lives of those most in need, with grants available from £2,501 to £50,000. The programme is funded by the Manx Lottery Trust as a delegated partner of the National Lottery Community Fund.