Plans have been submitted to turn a former music shop in a ‘highly prominent’ location in Northampton into a ‘lively’ church – complete with more than 200 seats and a baptism pool.

Plans have been submitted to turn the former Play Music Today (PMT) shop in Bridge Street into a church.

PMT closed its Northampton store on June 11, 2025, after the company shut all 11 of its UK stores and entered administration. The store had been open since 2005. It has remained vacant ever since.

Shalom Christian Fellowship – Northampton, which is currently based in West Hunsbury, has applied for permission to change the use of the former music store to a place of worship.

Shalom Christian Fellowship – Northampton, which is currently based in West Hunsbury, has applied for permission to change the use of 86 Bridge Street from a retail showroom, formerly PMT, to a place of worship.

placeholder image — Shalom Christian Fellowship – Northampton, which is currently based in West Hunsbury, has applied for permission to change the use of 86 Bridge Street from a retail showroom, formerly PMT, to a place of worship.

The group is a Malayalam Pentecostal church, with services held in both Malayalam – a major language spoken primarily in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala – and English.

The planning application says the church has a ‘serious interest’ in purchasing the building, which is currently up for sale for half a million pounds.

According to plans, the church wants to install a seating area for 195 people facing a new stage, with a baptism pool in the middle. A separate seating area for another 66 people is also proposed next to a new kitchen.

The church said: “Overall, the proposal would bring a vacant unit into use and would support the development of a community facility, which would contribute towards the vitality, viability and character of the Bridge Street area.

The statement adds: “The development as proposed is acceptable and would contribute to the aims of regenerating the town centre and a viable long-term use for the existing building.”

Estate agents have described the site as a ‘highly prominent town centre property’ on a ‘landmark’ corner plot, benefiting from up to 20,000 vehicle movements a day.

On its website, a church spokesman said: “Shalom Christian Fellowship is a vibrant Pentecostal church in the heart of Northampton! We are a community of believers passionate about experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, growing in faith, and sharing God's love with our city and beyond. Our mission is to create an atmosphere where everyone is invited to encounter the transforming presence of God, whether you're seeking to deepen your faith or explore spirituality for the first time.

“Join us for uplifting worship, heartfelt fellowship, and a life-changing message of hope. We believe that God has something amazing in store for you, and we would love to walk alongside you on your journey. Come as you are, and experience the joy and freedom of a life with Christ!”

One review online reads: “The worship is quite lively and heartfelt, which I personally found uplifting. If you like a church where people are expressive and really engaged, you’ll probably enjoy it. There’s a strong focus on faith, prayer, and growing spiritually.”

The building is opposite the former Aspers Casino site, where a large cannabis factory was discovered in October 2025.

West Northamptonshire Council has set a target decision date for December 21.