New chapter for historic village church

A long-closed village church in Northumberland is preparing for a new chapter, with plans under way to bring it back into use as a community-focused space.

New life is being breathed into a historic Ponteland church following its acquisition by the Malhotra Family Foundation.

Located on Broadway in Darras Hall, Ponteland United Reformed Church will be restored and reimagined as a hub for local residents, families and schools, returning the building to its former role at the heart of village life.

Established by Meenu Malhotra, chief executive of The Malhotra Group PLC, the Newcastle-based Malhotra Family Foundation supports communities through education, health and social care initiatives.

For the Foundation, the Ponteland scheme marks a significant milestone and reflects a long-standing personal connection to the area, where the Malhotra family has lived for more than three decades.

Meenu said: “Reopening this landmark site as a charity-led hub reflects our Foundation’s mission to strengthen communities and support young families across the North East.”

Atul Malhotra, chief operating officer of Malhotra Group PLC, which owns hospitality outlets and care homes, along with managing a large property portfolio, added: “Our aim is to create a community space that truly belongs to local residents – a place that supports families, celebrates the area’s heritage, and gives back to our community.”

Plans for the site include significant investment to transform the former church into a flexible community hub and workspace, alongside the return of a nursery to replace the one that previously operated at the site, helping address a shortage of high-quality childcare in Darras Hall and the surrounding area.

A village tearoom is also planned as part of the redevelopment, creating an additional space for residents to meet and socialise. 

Work on the project is scheduled to begin next year.

Legal advice and support for the acquisition were provided by the commercial property team at Sweeney Miller Law, led by managing partner Surbhi Vedhara.

Surbhi added: “We were delighted to assist the Malhotra Family Foundation with this exciting project.

“It’s always rewarding to help bring a vision to life – especially one that will deliver such positive impact for families and the wider community in Darras Hall.”

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