Post by Kev on Mar 17, 2004 11:04:15 GMT -5
DEMAND for properties is so great in Liverpool developers are turning to disused churches to meet the need.
Boasting stained glass windows and winding spiral staircases, the phenomenon is on the increase.
The latest to come on the market is Chapel Joe Court in Belvedere Road, Princes Park, Liverpool, a former Methodist church more recently used as storage space and offices.
Now the building, formerly known as Belvedere Church, is to be restored and divided into eight flats.
The church was so commanding, despite needing repair work, that current joint owner Eddie Amoo decided to buy it after driving past and admiring it.
Mr Amoo, of ECAM properties said: "We thought what a beautiful building it was with development potential, so when it came up at auction, we grabbed it.
"We hope to turn it into something really special. "We have got planning permission for it and we hope to keep all the original features, the stained glass windows are amazing.
"There are also unusual things inside like strange staircases and turret rooms." This is not the first church that has been converted. A former Baptist chapel in Shaw Street, has been split into nine apartments.
Prices for apartments in the Particular Baptist Chapel range from £135,000 to £249,000. It is due for completion at the end of March.
Estate agent Lorraine Flaherty from City Residential has a Baptist chapel on the books with nine apartments, two of which have been sold.
And Urban Splash have refurbished the oldest Catholic church in the city, St Peters in Seel Street, Liverpool, for office and art gallery space as part of the Rope Walks quarter regeneration.
The church was on English Heritage's list of buildings at risk before its £2m renovation.
But concerns have been raised that Liverpool is converting too many buildings and the market may overheat.
Restorer Wayne Colquhoun said: "There is a danger that Liverpool is being turned in to one big apartment with buildings being allowed to change use.
"Fashions change and if the market stops demanding flats, then these buildings may fall into disrepair."
Boasting stained glass windows and winding spiral staircases, the phenomenon is on the increase.
The latest to come on the market is Chapel Joe Court in Belvedere Road, Princes Park, Liverpool, a former Methodist church more recently used as storage space and offices.
Now the building, formerly known as Belvedere Church, is to be restored and divided into eight flats.
The church was so commanding, despite needing repair work, that current joint owner Eddie Amoo decided to buy it after driving past and admiring it.
Mr Amoo, of ECAM properties said: "We thought what a beautiful building it was with development potential, so when it came up at auction, we grabbed it.
"We hope to turn it into something really special. "We have got planning permission for it and we hope to keep all the original features, the stained glass windows are amazing.
"There are also unusual things inside like strange staircases and turret rooms." This is not the first church that has been converted. A former Baptist chapel in Shaw Street, has been split into nine apartments.
Prices for apartments in the Particular Baptist Chapel range from £135,000 to £249,000. It is due for completion at the end of March.
Estate agent Lorraine Flaherty from City Residential has a Baptist chapel on the books with nine apartments, two of which have been sold.
And Urban Splash have refurbished the oldest Catholic church in the city, St Peters in Seel Street, Liverpool, for office and art gallery space as part of the Rope Walks quarter regeneration.
The church was on English Heritage's list of buildings at risk before its £2m renovation.
But concerns have been raised that Liverpool is converting too many buildings and the market may overheat.
Restorer Wayne Colquhoun said: "There is a danger that Liverpool is being turned in to one big apartment with buildings being allowed to change use.
"Fashions change and if the market stops demanding flats, then these buildings may fall into disrepair."
