Developer gains approval to convert Rodney St church
MIDDLE England Developments has been given the green light to convert the St Andrew’s Church building at Rodney St.
The company received approval for its proposals to redevelop the St Andrew’s Church, which includes a remodelling of the exterior and a rebuilding of one of the Grade II*-listed turrets. Internally, around 100 new student bedrooms will be created around a courtyard.
St Andrew’s Church was built for Scottish Presbyterians in 1823-24 and is one of the few surviving works designed by architect John Foster Jr. 
The building had fallen into disrepair, though, and Liverpool City Council spent more than £100,000 in legal fees to acquire the site in 2008. It has spent a further £150,000 on emergency repairs since.
In August, TheBusinessDesk.com reported that a deal had been agreed by the City Council to sell the property to Middle England developments for £1, as well as potentially providing grants of up to £300,000 towards its refurbishment.
In total, the developer has applied for around £625,000 of external grants in order to help bring the site back into sustainable economic use.
Director Nigel Russell has said that it anticipates starting on site with the project by week commencing December 12, 2011.
Meanwhile, at the same planning committee meeting a proposal to build 200 new homes near Speke by a Peel/Barratt joint venture gained approval, while an application by Benmore Group to build a £30m mixed use leisure and retail scheme also in Speke has been deferred until the New Year.
