Dad-of-two buys abandoned 130-year-old Swinton chapel to transform into co-working space

A local dad-of-two has bought an abandoned 130-year-old chapel in Swinton and plans to transform it into a co-working space.

Eddie Whittingham, an ex-police officer originally from Scunthorpe, bought the former Manchester Road Methodist Church, Swinton, late last year after selling his start-up cybersecurity business in 2019.

He plans to create The Ministry of Work, a co-working space for start-up businesses and creative freelancers, featuring a podcast and content creation studio, 4-8 people office spaces, large working areas and a canteen. Access to the space can be acquired through day passes, or monthly rent.

Mr Whittingham said: “I was originally looking for a really unique building we could turn into a co-working space. I’ve worked in a few in the city centre and they’ve been fine and luxurious, but very expensive. What I wanted to do is create a workspace aimed at start-ups and freelancers and those bored of working from home, without that city centre price tag.

“I’d been keeping my eye open for a building as its a far more exciting environment and it gives the building a real charm if we can convert it. Naturally, there’s going to be an appeal to work there.

“A lot of people are routed in the suburbs and work from home, but they begin to feel that strain of looking at the same four walls.”

Mr Whittingham plans for the space to be open as early as this Summer, with contractors already working restoring the chapel and creating his vision.

The former chapel’s restoration has been documented online, through Eddie’s Instagram, @ministryofwork. He continued: “I’m not a property developer at all so its quite a big challenge but one I’m confident in. If we can get the building to the place I want it to be its going to be a fantastic space.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ministry of Work (@ministryofwork)

“We’ve had loads of support. A lot of people have been happy it isn’t being converted into flats and they’ve seen the opportunities and jobs it could bring to the area.”

Mr Whittingham plans to work from the centre, pursuing further business interests.