Exploring the New Mezzanine Retail Space at The Circle Bacup

I’m a little late to the party visiting The Circle Bacup, so I put that right this week, popping in on the opening of their new retail mezzanine featuring work from local creatives such as - Nutritional Beauty, Teddy & Cow Gifts and Miss Sophia Jewellery It’s a calm, considered space and one that feels like it totally belongs in town.

The Circle is an art, cultural and heritage centre based in Bacup, built around community use, a café and a growing programme of events. It’s housed in a Grade II-listed former church, originally consecrated in 1788 as the First Parish Church of St John. The building served the town for more than two centuries before closing in 2010, and has since been brought back into use in a way that feels respectful of its past without being precious about it.

You notice the building straight away. The height of the space, the stained glass, the way sound carries. None of it feels hidden or overly styled. It still feels like an old church, just one that’s being used again. Art sits naturally in the space and the building doesn’t overpower what’s going on inside it.

The new mezzanine adds another layer to that. It gives local makers a place to show their work in a setting that already draws people in, and it fits easily alongside the café and events programme. It’s a good example of how existing buildings can be used differently without losing what makes them interesting in the first place.

If you haven’t been yet, it’s worth a visit. Have a look around, grab a coffee, and see what’s happening. Photos by Soule_Creative