Disused Wirral church to be sold, with plans under way to convert building

Nov 28 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A LANDMARK church in Wallasey is set to be sold.

But plans are underway to keep St Luke’s church in Poulton for religious use.

A deal has been agreed by Christian charity, The Aspiration Trust, to buy the building for an undisclosed sum.

They want to use the church as a home for faith-based organisations in Wirral.

The details of the sale are yet to be finalised, but it does include land where the old vicarage once stood.

The memorial hall still belongs to the parish, so is not included in the sale.

Consultation is being carried out until December 21 with a copy of the plans available at both Wallasey libraries.

A spokesman for the Church of England Diocese of Chester said: “St Luke's has been offered for sale for some past 12 months. We have now accepted an offer from a buyer who wishes to make good use of the site as a base for various Christian charities and groups serving the Wirral.

“Meanwhile, St Luke’s parish continues – they meet in temporary premises for worship and its other activities – while work and planning goes on to decide on a permanent home for parishioners that will suit the needs of modern church ministry.”

The church was built in 1899 and closed last December because the running costs were too high.

Its prominent red Ruabon bricks and copper steeple can be seen from the M53 motorway, Bidston and Leasowe.

The congregation have moved to nearby Park Primary School.

Parishioners hope to build a new church and community centre elsewhere in the area.

St Luke’s Rev Ian Hughes added: “I am pleased with the sale because the Christian tradition will continue and it would be a shame to demolish a landmark building. It is good the church will be used to provide a home for these charities.”