Bridge Street, Abergele

Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, this Grade II listed church stands as a landmark of Abergele, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of the town’s heritage.

Tenure - Freehold - Grade II listed building contents

Overall Description - Positioned in the heart of Abergele, this church benefits from a highly convenient location, providing easy access to the A55 Expressway and the main routes through the town centre. A secure steel-framed gate ensures controlled access, preventing unauthorised parking.

The grounds include two designated stone-chipped parking areas, offering ample space for multiple vehicles, while a generous lawn extends along the side and rear of the property.

Inside, the chapel is equipped with essential facilities, including toilet amenities and a dedicated boiler room housing two modern Ideal Evo Max boilers. These boilers regulate central heating across independent zones within the building, ensuring efficient climate control.

A well-appointed kitchen area is fitted with a combination of wall and base-mounted units, providing ample storage and workspace. The kitchen benefits from a gas supply, with provisions for a freestanding cooker, making it highly functional for communal events or gatherings.

The former vestry retains elements of its original character, including a solid stone fireplace that has now been blocked off. Traditional timber pews and built-in wooden storage units further reflect the heritage of the space.
At the rear entrance, a commemorative plaque marks the historical significance of the chapel, paying tribute to its longstanding roots within the community.

Beyond the rear corridor, a large open space previously used as a school room adds a versatile feature to the property. This expansive area, once a hub for performances and community events, offers endless potential for future use. Whether repurposed as an event space, meeting hall, or creative studio, this room provides a wealth of opportunities for the next custodian of this historic building.

Historical Background & Listed Features - Constructed between 1879 and 1880 under the direction of architect Richard Davies of Bangor, this church stands as a significant example of 19th-century religious architecture. Built by contractor James Copping, it officially opened its doors on 26th September 1880.

The church's design is a striking interpretation of Classical architecture, constructed from limestone with a slate roof. Its grand façade is defined by towering pilasters that frame an ornate entablature, which extends into a pediment. The symmetrical frontage features twin entrances set beneath a porch with decorative detailing, while a large tripartite window, adorned with an elegant segmental pediment, takes centre stage. The side elevations, comprising six bays, incorporate two levels of original timber-framed windows within stone architraves, preserving the building’s historic character.

Inside, the entrance lobby leads to an enclosed internal wall separating the main worship space, with access doors to either side. Staircases provide entry to the gallery, which extends along three sides of the chapel and is supported by slender cast-iron columns. A decorative frieze enhances the gallery’s panelled frontage, adding to the refined detailing of the space. The ceiling is elegantly coved, featuring rope-moulded ribs that terminate in corbels along each wall. A painted central ventilator, framed by floral mouldings, serves as a focal point overhead.

The pulpit is positioned against the south wall, framed by an elaborate Classical aedicule with Corinthian pilasters and a segmental pediment. This elevated structure is accessed by steps on either side. The Set Fawr, a significant feature of traditional Welsh chapels, is enclosed by a substantial pine rail with turned balusters, enhancing the sense of grandeur. Seating arrangements consist of a central block of nine rows of pews on a slightly raised floor, while the gallery contains six rows at the rear, with three additional rows along each side.

This church is a striking landmark within Abergele, showcasing the distinctive architectural styles of the late 19th century while maintaining its importance as a place of worship. Any modifications to the historic features of the building are likely to require formal approval due to its listed status.

Entrance Hall - 4.13 x 4.03 (13'6" x 13'2") -

Service Hall - 12.5 x 13.15 (41'0" x 43'1") -

Kitchen - 4.20 x 4.22 (13'9" x 13'10") -

School Room - 9.05 x 12.32 (29'8" x 40'5") -

Vestry - 7.12 x 4.56 (23'4" x 14'11") -

Rear Corridor - 7.03 x 1.93 (23'0" x 6'3") -

Wc - 1.09 x 2.50 (3'6" x 8'2") -

Disabled Wc - 1.55 x 1.70 (5'1" x 5'6") -

Boiler Room - 1.50 x 2.74 (4'11" x 8'11") -

Prys Jones & Booth - Prys Jones and Booth, Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents are an independent company in Abergele offering considerable experience in all aspects of Residential and Commercial Property. Whilst based principally in Abergele, we operate throughout North Wales, including the towns of Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llanddulas, Llanfair TH, Prestatyn, St Asaph, Towyn, Kinmel Bay, Llandudno and other surrounding areas.

Prys Jones & Booth, Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents were founded in 1974 and have been a mainstay on the Abergele high street ever since.

Professional Services - David Prys Jones FRICS and Iwan Prys Jones Bsc. PGDM, MRICS are full members of the RICS with specialist expertise in professional home surveys, commercial property surveys / valuations. Please contact us today to discuss our competitive fees.