Spring Bank Arts Centre, Spring Bank, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire

Spring Bank Arts Centre, Spring Bank, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire SK22 4BH

The beautiful building that is now Spring Bank Arts was once the church of St James the Less. John and Mary Mackie paid for the church and the neighbouring alms houses to be built in memory of Mary Mackie’s parents, James and Martha Ingham. The building held its first Church of England services in 1880. St James the Less was one of the most prominent buildings in New Mills. Its architecture and decoration means that it remains a beautiful and significant building today. The church’s simple, solid exterior hides the surprising beauty of the interior. The colour and style of decoration echoes a late 13th century church. This architectural and decorative style was called Gothic Revival. The former Church of St James the Less is situated in the New Mills Conservation Area (sub-area B) and is Listed Grade II. The building has many important features, original decoration designed by Powell Bros of Leeds, Frescos, Gargoyles, stained glass windows from the Charles Kempe Studio. The Church was decommissioned in 2011 and became Spring Bank Arts a local community venue run by volunteers. in the week it houses many local community groups, the WI, U3A, High Peak Community Arts, Derbyshire Adult education, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Life drawing, crochet courses and many more. At the weekend it becomes a bustling venue for exhibitions, live music, theatre, chamber concerts, comedy, dance, film club and coffee mornings.

Opening Arrangements

The building is open Mon to Fri 9:30-12:30. We are a community venue so may have local groups on during these periods. We also have a coffee morning the first Saturday of every month 10:30-12:30 where the building is open and free for people to have a look round