The Commons is the new name of the buildings and land of the old Ballynafeigh Methodist Church at 338 Ormeau Road. The purpose of this building is changing to become a community hub which will accommodate a myriad of events and projects. These events and projects will seek to embrace all members of the local community through a weekly community meal, community choir, ethnic food hall, social housing and much, much more as the building and its life evolves.

Community is much more than belonging to something: it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter. – Brian Solis

The Story So Far

There has been a Methodist church on the current site for over 100 years. A simple chapel and school was built in 1838, with additional halls built over the years. With a huge growth in the congregation a bigger building was needed and in January 1899 the current structure was completed in American Romanesque style. At its opening it was described as ‘a centre of light and blessing in the neighbourhood’. The original red-brick exterior was eventually rendered after suffering from the Northern Irish weather. (Source: Peter Mercer)

A 2016 report by the Department for Communities gives a very detailed description of the building and its original architects which you can read here https://apps.communities-ni.gov.uk/Buildings/buildview.aspx?id=3590&js=false

The Commons Building Project

Currently, planning permission has only been obtained for Phase One.

Phase One – Heart and Hearth

Phase One involves refurbishing and redeveloping the rooms to the rear of the property. A new entrance into the building will lead to the Hearth Room – a cosy space to meet, eat, work and learn together.

A reconfiguration of the main hall and adjoining hallway and rooms will create a large atrium with an abundance of natural light. A new kitchen area will be in the centre of this area with fantastic facilities for catering, hospitality and community events that will be ongoing throughout the week.

A prayer chapel will be created, flooded with natural light. This will be a sacred and inspirational space set apart for prayer, worship and contemplation.

A repurposing of the minor hall and upstairs rooms will create accommodation for community members to live on site, nurturing this hub of prayer and hospitality as a place of welcome.

Phase Two – Shelter

On the land at the rear of the property, it is hoped that some apartments will be built for people in need. A community garden between these apartments and the host-community flats will be a beautiful space to socialise and build friendships between residents and community hosts. Residents will be welcome to be involved in all aspects of the daily life of the community.

Phase Three – Dry Pub, Ethnic Food Hall and Arts Venue

The church sanctuary will be converted into a hub for hospitality and creativity, emphasising celebration and welcome. The wider community will be invited in to this space as a variety of regular and one-off events come to life.

This space will still be used for worship and seasonal events on the Christian calendar.