Birchcliffe Centre History

The Birchcliffe Centre is owned by Pennine Heritage, and is home to the Pennine Horizons Digital Archive, the Hebden Bridge Local History Society and a thriving community of local businesses. The auditorium, mezzanine and studio space are all available for hire.

The Pennine Heritage Trust was created as a result of the efforts of its three founders, David Shutt, David Ellis and David Fletcher and their ‘3D’ campaign to save the magnificent Birchcliffe Baptist Chapel, Hebden Bridge, from demolition.

This was achieved with assistance from the then Joseph Rowntree Social Service Trust (Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust today) for conversion to a northern base for a wide variety of voluntary groups. Restoration and conversion work also received generous assistance from the Rowntree Trust as did the foundation of Pennine Heritage Trust as managers and landlord of the newly launched Birchcliffe Centre.

At balcony level a new floor was created in the chapel, creating a sizeable auditorium which serves as a conference, exhibition and events venue. The adjacent Sunday School was converted into a well-equipped hostel with accommodation for up to three dozen guests. Further funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled the creation of the mezzanine meeting/education room.