Renovations at landmark Cheadle church continue following acquisition

A Manchester property developer has snapped up a former church to ensure renovations to transform it into luxury flats continue.

St Augustine’s Church in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, was acquired by property developer, Nabeel Mussarat, director of The Property Hub, from Blackmore Homes, which collapsed into administration in April last year.

The purchase has ensured that the renovation of the former church can continue, paving the way for nine new apartments to be on the market by the beginning of 2022.

The church, which went into disrepair and was vandalised after it closed in 2007, was acquired by Mr Mussarat in March.

However, renovation efforts have been ongoing since 2016 due to the complexities of the building works which has included retaining all of its original windows and pillars.

The Blackmore Group had originally acquired the property through the Blackmore Bond to fund residential and commercial property development.

Among Blackmore’s investments in the North West were the conversion of St Augustine’s Church, and the construction of 54 homes on the banks of Alston Reservoir at Longridge near Preston.

However, the group faced ‘challenging trading period’ and administrators Duff and Phelps were called in last year.

Mr Mussarat was approached by Blackmore Homes to acquire the property and continue with the ongoing works.

“I always jump at the chance to invest locally, and we are always raring to exchange quickly on properties, so when Blackmore approached me earlier this year with worries about their development on this piece of Cheadle history, we decided to jump in to assist,” said Mr Mussarat.

“When complete, this will pump a new lease of life into the local area and ensure that local landmarks like this are rejuvenated whilst still retaining their external characteristics.”

The showroom apartment will be open next month.