Chapel is set for move into court building
A CHURCH is moving ahead with plans to become part of a court building in Carmarthen.
Bethel Church will be rubbing shoulders with the county and family court in Picton Terrace after purchasing a section of the building earlier this month.
Formerly based in nearby Old St Clears Road, Johnstown, the church was granted planning permission last year to move into part of the building known as Hill House.
The move comes as it has outgrown its Johnstown home where it regularly attracts around 200 worshippers.
A move to larger premises has been on the cards for some years and the church has in the past looked at other venues in the town.
It had previously expressed an interest in moving into the then empty MFI shop unit off Morfa Lane, which ultimately became a Toyota dealership.
Bosses at Bethel Church said plans to breathe new life into the former building in Picton Terrace are well under way.
The remodelling of the building will make it suitable for worship and the wide range of activities which take place on a reg- ular basis.
Lead Pastor Tim Howells said: “We are all looking forward to continuing the work and life of Bethel in Carmarthen.
“Our church building in Johnstown served us well for almost 30 years.
“But it is now time to seize an exciting opportunity for the continued growth of our congregation and community interaction by moving into much bigger premises.”
A report by property agents GVA contained within the planning application last year said of the Picton Terrace site: “Internally the accommodation is in part occupied by HM Courts and Tribunal Service who operate a family court from the building.
“The remainder stands vacant over ground and first floor level.
“The property offers the potential for a variety of alternative uses.”
The former Bethel Church building in Johnstown has now been sold to new owners and work is under way to adapt the building for its new role as a funeral home.
In the meantime, Bethel will continue to run its Sunday morning services from the Halliwell Theatre on the University of Wales Trinity St David Campus in College Road.
Bethel’s regular midweek community groups and activities will resume as soon as possible while work is being carried out on other parts of the building.