Enfield Methodist Circuit ditched the site two years ago and subsequently sold it to an operator of children’s nurseries

The Space as it looks currently (credit The Architects Practice)

A new church building and nursery in Bullsmoor that has sat unfinished for more than two years finally looks set to be completed.

Enfield Methodist Circuit had been planning to occupy the building, known as ‘The Space’ and situated just off the A10 opposite Elsinge Park, but later decided that it was no longer needed.

The decision came despite the building being close to completion.

Having sat empty since late 2023, with no further construction work taking place, the building was put up for sale.

Bright Little Stars Nursery is now planning to finish work on the site and open it as a children’s day care facility, with this use having already been planned by the church alongside areas set aside for worship.

The company currently operates six nurseries, mostly centred in North London.

In newly-submitted planning documents, Bright Little Stars state: “Until recently the site was occupied by St John’s Methodist Church, including the St Giles & St John’s Preschool facilities. The church building was demolished in 2022/23 following the initial stages of the construction of a new non-secular building intended to house a replacement children’s nursery as well as worship and community facilities.

“The new building, to be known as ‘The Space’ and designed by IF_DO architects, reached completion of its external envelope before works were suspended in 2023. It is a handsome and carefully considered building even with its austere and defensive western elevation, and had been Highly Commended in the 2021 New London Awards (Unbuilt category).

“During the build period (commenced October 2021), and with the successful relocation of the dwindling existing church congregation to the Methodist Trinity Church in Church Street in Enfield Town centre, the Enfield Methodist Circuit recognised that they no longer had need of a new building at Great Cambridge Road and the part-complete building was put up for sale.

“As a result the site is currently unoccupied and although the building and subground drainage are in place, it lacks any internal fit out, the remaining necessary building services and the proposed landscaping works.”

The plans continue: “It is proposed to adapt the site and the existing building to provide suitable facilities for a new pre-school children’s nursery, continuing previous and planned use of the premises. The nursery will be run by Bright Little Stars, who already own and manage six similar operations in Mill Hill, Watford, Harrow, Stanmore, Barnet and Stratford. The Bright Little Stars nurseries at Mill Hill, Watford and Stanmore have been given ‘Outstanding in all areas’ ratings by Ofsted.

“The nursery will accommodate a maximum of 101 children at any one time, aged from six months to five years old together with the nursery staff. It will operate a five-day week, excluding bank holidays, with opening hours from 7.30am to 6.30pm and staggered arrival and departure times. All children will attend for full days.”

For more information on the plans, enter reference number 26/01261/FUL via the council’s online planning portal.

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