Charity announces plans for community space at Newcastle church
A church which was formerly the hub of the Ponteland community is to have new life breathed into it.
The Ponteland United Reformed Church at Broadway, Darras Hall has been taken over by the Malhotra Family Foundation, a Newcastle-based charity, and will now re-open and once again become a space for residents, families and schools.
The Foundation was set up by Meenu Malhotra, CEO of The Malhotra Group PLC, with the aim of supporting communities both in the UK and internationally.
It aims to make a difference through education, health and social care.
Mr Malhotra and his family have lived in the Darras Hall area for more than 35 years.
When work is completed, the site will offer a community hub and workspace, along with the return of a nursery which previously operated at the site before the church closed, which will fill the gap in the provision of high-quality childcare for Darras Hall and the surrounding area.
A village tearoom will also be created on site with work set to begin next year.
Meenu Malhotra DL, Chairman of the Malhotra Group and Founder of the Malhotra Family Foundation said the project would provide a significant resource for the local community: “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,” he said.
His words were echoed by Atul Malhotra, COO of Malhotra Group which owns hospitality outlets and care homes: “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,” he said.