Planning granted for conversion of listed church into luxury apartments
Liverpool-based architecture practice, Falconer Chester Hall, will convert a former church into nine luxury apartments.
The practice has secured planning permission for the scheme in the upmarket north Liverpool suburb of Blundellsands, for client Winter Melia.
The scheme will see the conversion of the Grade II-listed United Reformed Church, on the corner of Warren Road and The Serpentine, into residential dwellings, bringing the church back into use with minimal interventions.
The church sits opposite the area’s private Key Park – home to Blundellsands Lawn Tennis Club – and is two minutes’ stroll from Antony Gormley’s famous ‘Other Place’ installation on Crosby beach.
Robert Brym, associate director at Falconer Chester Hall’s Liverpool studio, said: “A fundamental element of the success of the conversion of the church is to retain the inherent character.
“Careful consideration of the design for the scheme has ensured the original features are incorporated into the apartments.
“The proposed layouts protect existing stain glass windows and allow for natural light to flood the spacious rooms. The new floors will be supported by an independent structure that does not compromise the existing fabric of the church. The conversion of this Grade II-listed church will secure its future over the long term.”
Phil Melia, director, Winter Melia, said: “Winter Melia are specialists in the conversion of listed buildings into modern living spaces.
“The United Reformed Church presented us with a unique opportunity. Working closely with FCH on the design resulted in the creation of a luxurious, low density scheme.
Church interior
“The spacious duplex/triplex apartments are in keeping with the demand of the location, appealing to a wider audience, including families and those wishing to downsize.”
Other consultants on the scheme include: Liath Heritage and Design (heritage), Orion Fire Engineering, Vectos (highways), AEC Acoustic & Engineering Consultants, and Lally Tree Management.
