The Wesley Centre, a significant landmark and Methodist church building in Malton, has been undergoing a remarkable transformation into a vibrant community hub.
The restoration project, managed by a team led by local resident and former mayor of the market town, Paul Emberley, aims to preserve the building’s heritage while transforming it to serve the wider community for generations to come.
A key element of the Centre’s revitalisation is the commitment to heritage and craftsmanship.
After securing more than £2m for the restoration and transformative works so far, the Wesley Centre is now raising funds for bespoke furniture, commissioned from Treske, including 250 iconic audience chairs by Howe, used in cathedrals and other great places of worship – and a suite of bespoke hand-crafted sanctuary furniture, used for church worship.
The new facility will feature a 600-seater classical concert hall, a community café, and spaces for conferences and events, while continuing to serve as a place of worship on Sundays. It will also house the Malton Free Fridge project, a food bank that supports 30,000 people annually.
“It’s a privilege to create bespoke pieces for the Wesley Centre,” said Justin Bartlett, managing director of Treske. “It’s more than function, it’s about respecting the Centre’s spiritual heritage and its community values.”
Treske, known for its beautifully crafted hardwood furniture, has a long-standing reputation for quality and customisation, drawing inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement and Scandinavian design.
The sanctuary furniture for the Wesley Centre will include a communion table, reading desks, and dark red leather kneelers, all crafted from FSC-approved American black walnut.
“We have used local restorers and skilled heritage workmanship throughout the build from our beautiful herringbone oak flooring, stained glass restoration, and now bespoke furniture from one of the finest Yorkshire furniture makers,” said Mr Emberley. “It is important that we support the heritage industries and local craftmanship in creating this beautiful space that Malton’s community can use for the next 200 years.
“We’ve achieved so much by securing more than £2m for our project so far – and we’re enormously grateful to all our benefactors. We’re now asking for help with this unique furniture appeal. All of the items can be personalised with a unique inscription – perhaps in memory of a loved one, or to mark a special occasion or event. It’s an opportunity for memories to be treasured in this historic place – for generations to come.”
To donate to the furniture appeal, please email wesleycentremalton@btinternet.com or call 01653 918910 for details.
