A GRADE II listed church has been transformed into an arts, culture and events space in East Lancashire after years of planning.
The Circle in Bacup opened earlier this month, bringing a pizzeria, events space, new café, a cinema and more to the community.
The former St Johns the Evangelist Church on Fern Street has been transformed into the new space by Freddy Khattab, who hopes it can but Bacup on the map.
He said: “I want The Circle to be the hub of the community. I am so excited for the future and have so many plans lined up. I know that this project will change Rossendale and but the area on the tourist map.
“I just want to be different and I want to be affordable as I want people to come here and enjoy really good food in a nice space, where they can relax.”
Currently open in the building is and events space, The Circle Pizzeria, Kindness Café and Bacup Cinema will even be showing movies inside the church.
The pizzeria serves hand stretched artisan pizzas, which range from £4.50-£6.50.
As well as hot drinks and milkshakes, the Kindness Café also serve brunch dishes, such as smoked salmon bagels and pies.
Bacup Cinema show a range of family-friendly films such as Sonic 2 and West Side Story.
Freddy has ambitious plans for the future and hopes to open a wine bar and even host concerts and civil partnership weddings.
Since opening earlier this month, Freddy said he has been “overwhelmed” with the positive response from the community.
Freddy applied to Rossendale Borough Council on multiple occasions for permission to transform the former church into an events and arts space, but was met with rejection amid concerns over parking and noise.
His application was overwhelmingly approved in December with only two councillors opposing the plans.
He said: “I am so overwhelmed with all the positive comments and support I am having. I was not expecting it to snowball like this.
“I’ve put everything, all my money and energy, into this project. I have been planning it for more than six years. Some comments have made me really emotional and made all the hard work worth it.”
Freddy said it has already attracted visitors from Yorkshire and beyond.
Bacup Cinema is now based at the former St Johns the Evangelist Church
He said: “It makes me feel so proud and happy that the project is bringing people from all over the UK.
“If you haven’t already visited, need to see the building in person. No matter how much I talk about it, you won’t believe how beautiful it is in person.”
So far, the venue has received glowing reviews on social media. One person said: “A brilliant initiative by local people to give the community a local attraction. Superb.”
Another said: “Something on every week for children and adults always sells out.”
“What a amazing place for a quick coffee, lunch,” said a third. “Very friendly and food is absolutely gorgeous.”
The Circle is open now and is located on Fern Street, just of Burnley Road, in Bacup.
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