On the 7th April 2025, the George Müller Hall at Saints, Nuneaton received its grand opening in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Nuneaton and Bedworth and His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire.
Previously known as St George’s Hall, the dance hall dates to the early 1900s serving as a popular social spot for local people throughout the early and mid-twentieth century. In recent decades the hall had become derelict and mothballed until charity, Together for Change, took over the whole building and began their plans to renovate the hall for community use today.
It is the latest phase of the project at the prominent town centre building. The ground floor has been converted into a popular café and community hub. Over the last five years, Saints has cemented itself at the heart of the community, hosting a variety of events and helping young and old.
Named after George Müller, a Christian social reformer, who cared for over ten thousand orphans during his lifetime, the hall renovation is part of phase two of the Saints project, with a particular focus on hosting community events that seek to Transform Nuneaton.
During the grand opening event, invited guests heard from CEO of Together for Change, Jet Jones, as well as Chair of the TFC Board and Archdeacon Missioner of the Diocese of Coventry, the Venerable Barry Dugmore, about the mission of Saints. Also, the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, talked about the importance of Saints to the community and three local people who have benefited from the Saints project told of how important it is to them with one describing it as ‘family’.
A pivotal moment in the ceremony came when Mayway construction company officially handed over the building to Jet Jones and the Saints team and, then later a plaque was unveiled to mark the occasion by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Bill Hancox, and Archdeacon Barry Dugmore.
Jet Jones says:
“Saints has firmly established itself as a valuable community asset in the heart of Nuneaton and has been identified as having an annual social value of £8.6 million. This next phase will now enable the project to further its reach to the community and support the people of Nuneaton. We are so grateful for the continued partnership from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and the funds that were granted through the Transforming Nuneaton Pathfinders board.’"
Barry Dugmore says:
“Saints is a shining example of how the Church of England invests in and values wide partnership to seek the common good for the flourishing of communities such as Nuneaton. I’m looking forward to seeing how this next phase builds on all that has gone before to serve the wonderful people of Nuneaton.”
Bishop Sophie, who was unable to attend with her public ministry begining in June, shared the following sentiments which where read out at the event:
"I am so delighted that the renovation of the Ballroom at Saints, Nuneaton is now complete, and I want to offer my sincere thanks to all who have worked so hard on this project. It was exciting to see this developing when I visited the Diocese on the announcement of my appointment back in November. I am thrilled at both God’s provision and the dedication of the faithful team who have prayed and pursued the vision God gave.
I am confident that this new season will bring even more blessing for the people served through the ministry at Saints. I am looking forward to my next visit and to working in partnership with CUF and Together for Change. The people of Saints are offering the kind of holistic ministry that I will seek to encourage as Bishop of Coventry through the coming years. May God bless you richly as you celebrate this momentous day! As I send my greetings, I am reminded of God’s promise in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 : "The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." "
Now, the George Müller Hall is officially open be sure to be following Saints Nuneaton on social media to find out about events and activities taking place.