Darlington Street Methodist Church, a Grade II-listed building situated in the heart of Wolverhampton, has been lovingly restored after narrowly escaping demolition. Once ranked as the eighth most at-risk listed building in England by the Victorian Society, this iconic Black Country church has now been reborn as The Grand Palace Wolverhampton — a stunning entertainment venue.
Built in 1901, the church had suffered years of neglect, facing serious issues such as a leaking roof, crumbling chimneys, and persistent damp. These problems forced its closure in 2019, placing the future of this cherished landmark in jeopardy.
In 2021, the Dhinsa family purchased the church, embracing the challenge of restoring a building that had spent two years without a buyer. Rajinder Dhinsa, together with his wife Kamaljeet and their sons Gurcharan and Gurvinder, invested their life savings and countless hours into bringing the structure back to life.
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The extensive renovation, spanning 18 months, involved painstaking work to preserve the building’s historical grandeur. Craftsmen recreated intricate plaster mouldings, restored vaulted ceilings, mosaic details, and gold pillars, and repaired the iconic dome. Practical upgrades included new heating, electrical systems, and modern bathrooms. The interior now shines with crystal chandeliers, gold-accented tableware, elegant curtains, and unique features like an ‘infinity’ dance floor and ceiling uplighters that highlight the church’s original architecture.
“This was truly a family labour of love,” said 58-year-old Rajinder Dhinsa. “Our sons brought their building expertise to the project, and together we saved this beautiful piece of heritage from being lost forever. Now it stands as a beacon of transformation, community spirit, and pride.”
Today, The Grand Palace Wolverhampton hosts weddings, civil ceremonies, awards nights, and corporate events, offering a magnificent venue that celebrates both history and modern elegance. The venue will soon host a Christmas masquerade ball, with tickets available on their website.