Church of Scientology moving to derelict Gateshead building

Scientology is followed by Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Church of Scientology is converting a derelict Gateshead nursing home into its North East base.

They bought the former Windmill Hills home in 2007 and yet 15 years later the building remains boarded up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However the scientologists remain ‘committed’ to the project of renovating the Grade II-listed building, telling the BBC: “We are committed to a full historic restoration of this property, returning it to its original eminence and beyond.”

The church’s current North East base is in Sunderland.

Google MapsGoogle Maps
Google Maps

Scientology was founded in the 1950s by an American science fiction writer, L. Ron Hubbard, and since then has been the subject of a number of controversies.

Former members have alleged the church is a cult and carries out physical and emotional abuse- the church denies these claims.

According to their website, Scientology: ‘offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and one’s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Celebrities Tom Cruise and John Travolta are followers of the religion.

The church has not confirmed a timescale for the project but the plans include three new extensions. replacement of windows and reinstatement of historic features.

Read Newcastle’s news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day’s news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.