Church which closed its doors earlier this year hits the market

A Catholic church in Chickenley near Dewsbury, which closed its doors in January, has now been launched on the market.

St Thomas More Church and Presbytery is being offered for an alternative use by commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), acting on behalf of the Diocese of Leeds after a pastoral review.

Located in a residential area, the church was built between 1955-56 to cater for the expanding Catholic community after large populations were moved to the newly built Chickenley estate following slum clearances in Dewsbury.

The church, which is predominately single-storey with brick elevations, comprises a club room, kitchen and bar in the lower ground floor.

With a floor area of 5,253 sq ft in total, the church sits on a half-acre area and fronts Maple Road and Chickenley Lane.

The accompanying stone-built presbytery has two double and two single bedrooms, as well as gardens to the front and rear.

LSH are offering the church for sale on a freehold basis, with offers invited from prospective purchasers.

Richard Corby at LSH said: “Subject to the appropriate planning permissions, the building is ideal for a range of commercial uses, or perhaps a lifestyle business with an artistic bent?

“Refurbished, the building will once again come to life and prove a real asset to the local community.”