Headway ArtsSpace, former URC Church

Headway ArtSpace is located in The Old Church on Waterloo Road in Blyth. The brick-built Gothic revival-style church was built 1874-1876, by Thomas Oliver junior. It was originally a Presbyterian church, becoming part of the United Reformed Church (URC) in 1972. This is a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage List for England. In the past, it is said that the 200ft Gothic church spire acted as a landmark, guiding mariners back to the shelter of the port. Its grand organ was custom built by J.J. Binns of Leeds. By 2008, the church's congregation had dropped to levels that meant the upkeep of the building was no longer viable. The congregation of Blyth URC now worship at St Wilfrid's Convent Chapel, which is immediately opposite the old church. Headway Arts took out a lease on the Old Church building in c.2016. The former church is situated within the Bondicar Conservation Area of Blyth.