A historic Ponteland church is set to be turned into a community hub under a scheme led by the Malhotra Family Foundation.
Located on Broadway, Darras Hall, the former Ponteland United Reformed Church is set to be re-opened as a hub by the Newcastle-based charity, which aims to support education, health, and social care.
The Ponteland development is the foundation’s first major scheme.
Meenu Malhotra DL, chairman of Malhotra Group PLC and founder of the Malhotra Family Foundation, said: "Reopening this landmark site as a charity-led hub reflects our Foundation’s mission to strengthen communities and support young families across the North East,"
The project has personal significance for Mr Malhotra, whose family has lived in Darras Hall for more than 35 years.
Plans for the refurbished site include a workspace, a village tearoom, and a nursery, which previously operated at the site before its closure.
The foundation said the return of the nursery will help address a shortage of high-quality childcare in the area.
Work on the tearoom is set to begin next year.
Atul Malhotra, chief operating officer of Malhotra Group PLC, said the goal is to create a space rooted in the community.
He said: "Our aim is to create a community space that truly belongs to local residents—a place that supports families, celebrates the area’s heritage, and gives back to our community."
The commercial property team at Sweeney Miller Law, led by managing partner Surbhi Vedhara, provided legal support for the acquisition.
Ms Vedhara said: "We were delighted to assist the Malhotra Family Foundation with this exciting project.
"It’s always rewarding to help bring a vision to life—especially one that will deliver such positive impact for families and the wider community in Darras Hall."
The Malhotra Family Foundation was established by Meenu Malhotra to support communities in the UK and abroad.
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