Banbridge church seeks community support to buy and redevelop legendary Coach nightclub site..'Together, we can turn a place once known for darkness into a light for generations to come'
‘It drew crowds of over 1,300 people every weekend’: Grace Generation Church launches £1.8m appeal to turn former hotspot of music and mayhem into a beacon of faith, hope and community
A Banbridge church group is appealing for public support to help transform one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic nightclubs into a permanent place of worship — at a cost of £1.8 million.
Grace Generation Church, founded in March 2012 by Pastors Paul and Helen Cupples with just 30 members, received planning approval in July 2022 to redevelop the former Coach nightclub premises in Banbridge. Today, the congregation has grown to around 230 people from “all walks of life and cultural backgrounds".
However to make the dream become a lasting reality, a GoFundMe page has now been set up by Olivia Bushe to help raise funds to buy the premises starting with a £30,000 goal.
Acknowledging the site’s colourful past, the fundraising page explains: “Our new home has a unique history. For years, the building was known as “The Coach” Nightclub — one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic entertainment venues.
"It drew crowds of over 1,300 people every weekend, with international DJs and a reputation that spread far and wide. But alongside the fun, the nightclub was also known for serious challenges: drug and alcohol abuse, inappropriate behavior, and even paramilitary activity. At one point, it was the only nightclub in the UK with drug sniffer dogs at the door.
"When Covid hit, the nightclub closed its doors. The owners decided not to reopen. In early 2022, a chance conversation led us to view the building. To our amazement, the owners offered us the premises rent-free (except for utilities and insurance) for a few years while they considered their options.”
The site is extensive and includes the former nightclub space, front bar, VIP lounge (now hosting the church’s foodbank), a large function room (now ‘Kids Church’), multiple bars, outdoor areas, parking, and additional office and bar buildings.
It continues: “Initially, the owners planned to demolish and rebuild, even offering to construct a new building for us — at a cost of £5–6 million, which was beyond our reach.
"After much negotiation, they offered us the entire site for £2.9 million. Following due diligence and independent valuation, we agreed on a purchase price of £1.8 million.
“We believe God has miraculously opened this door. This venue, once known for abuse and addiction, is being transformed into a place of worship, hope, and community service. Our mission is to glorify God, lift the name of Jesus, and serve our local community in practical ways —showing love to those in need and being instruments of transformation in people’s lives.”
Encouraging public support, it adds: “We now have the opportunity to secure this incredible site as a permanent home for Grace Generation Church. To do this, we need your help to raise the funds for the purchase.
“Will you join us in transforming this iconic venue into a beacon of hope for our community?
"Every donation, large or small, brings us closer to our goal. Your support will help us continue to serve, support, and uplift those in need.
“Together, we can turn a place once known for darkness into a light for generations to come.”