A church group who have long sought to transform one of Northern Ireland’s most famous nightclubs into a thriving house of Worship – at a cost of £1.8 million – are appealing to the public’s generosity to help make their dream a reality.
Plans were first granted to Grace Generation Church in July 2022 for the development of the former The Coach nightclub premises in Banbridge.
The church itself began in March 2012 – with just 30 people – under the leadership of Pastors Paul and Helen Cupples, not far from the nightclub premises, on Church Street.
Over the years, their congregation has grown to around 230 people “from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds”.
Acknowledging their new premises’ past, the Grace Generation Church said: “Our new home has a unique history. For years, the building was known as ‘The Coach’ Nightclub — one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic entertainment venues.
“It drew crowds of over 1,300 people every weekend, with international DJs and a reputation that spread far and wide. But alongside the fun, the nightclub was also known for serious challenges: drug and alcohol abuse, inappropriate behaviour, and even paramilitary activity. At one point, it was the only nightclub in the UK with drug sniffer dogs at the door.”
When the Covid pandemic struck, the nightclub closed its doors and its owners decided not to reopen.
They in early 2022, Grace Generation Church said a “chance conversation led us to view the building” and to their “amazement” the owners offered the premises “rent-free (except for utilities and insurance) for a few years while they considered their options.”
The extensive site encompasses the front bar; former nightclub space, to now be used as an auditorium; a VIP lounge, now home to their Foodbank; a large function room, now used as ‘Kids Church’; multiple bars, outdoor spaces, and parking and additional office and bar buildings.
Having now launched a GoFundMe page to collate funds for the scheme, Grace Generation Church explained: “Initially, the owners planned to demolish and rebuild, even offering to construct a new building for us — at a cost of £5–6 million, which was beyond our reach.
“After much negotiation, they offered us the entire site for £2.9 million. Following due diligence and independent valuation, we agreed on a purchase price of £1.8 million.”
Now viewing the space as a “permanent home” for their congregation, the church are calling on public generosity to purchase the premises and transform it into a “beacon of hope for our community”.
“We believe God has miraculously opened this door,” they continued. “This venue, once known for abuse and addiction, is being transformed into a place of worship, hope, and community service.
“Our mission is to glorify God, lift the name of Jesus, and serve our local community in practical ways — showing love to those in need and being instruments of transformation in people’s lives.”
