CENTRAL HALL WESTMINSTER TO ACCELERATE GROWTH FOLLOWING EDINBURGH AND YORK TRANSITIONS
CENTRAL HALL WESTMINSTER SHARPENS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AS REGIONAL VENUES GAIN INDEPENDENCE
Central Hall Westminster is preparing to accelerate the next phase of its long-term development strategy after completing a multi-year support programme for two Methodist venues in Edinburgh and York. The move marks a significant shift in focus for one of London’s most recognisable conference and events destinations at a time of rising demand for high-quality heritage venues in the capital.
Central Hall Venues (CHV) — the management and advisory arm created in 2019 to professionalise operations across Methodist properties — has now concluded its work with Nicolson Square Edinburgh and St Saviourgate York. Over the past six years, CHV has provided hands-on operational guidance, commercial support and marketing expertise to help regional venues strengthen their management structures and build long-term financial resilience.
The transition process formally began in late 2024 when Nicolson Square Edinburgh moved to independent management under new leadership. St Saviourgate York followed in November 2025, completing CHV’s remit.
Sarah Franczak, Chief Operating Officer at Central Hall Westminster, said: “We are proud of what we have achieved with the teams in Edinburgh and York. These transitions reflect the heart of Central Hall Venues’ mission to support Methodist venues in building skills, confidence and foundations to operate independently while continuing to serve their communities. Looking ahead, our focus turns to the continued development of CHW and its role within the London meetings and events industry.”
With the regional programme now complete, Central Hall Westminster is redirecting resources towards strengthening its competitive position in London’s events market. The organisation has already begun a cycle of capital improvements, including the newly relocated Wesley Café and the addition of the Wesley Suite — upgrades designed to enhance visitor experience and broaden the venue’s appeal to corporate clients, community groups and international event organisers.
The reinvestment comes as Westminster continues to attract strong demand from associations, government bodies and commercial event planners seeking centrally located venues with historic character and modern infrastructure. CHW, one of the largest heritage venues in the borough, is positioning itself to capture this momentum as corporate event budgets stabilise and London’s business tourism sector continues to recover.
The organisation is expected to expand its programme of operational modernisation and guest-experience enhancements throughout 2026, reflecting a broader trend of heritage institutions upgrading facilities to remain competitive in a market shaped by hybrid events, sustainability targets and heightened visitor expectations.
