Approval Sought To Knock Down Old Greenock West End Church Building

Image courtesy of Ardgowan Hospice

Ardgowan Hospice has applied for permission to demolish a historic church building beside their base in Greenock.

The hospice owns the former Greenock Methodist property in Ardgowan Street, which was completed in 1881.

Consent for demolition is required because the building is in the Greenock West End Conservation Area. Greenock Methodist Church closed in November 2017.

In 2017, the hospice proposed building a new facility by demolishing the church and its own neighbouring Access Centre property, but the development has not gone ahead.

A statement submitted to Inverclyde planners by contractors Chris Wright and Sons explains: “Previous owners had failed to continue maintenance of the building which has led to the building becoming dilapidated and of disrepair.

“There are structural liabilities that pose risk to the building structure and the public, particularly the south elevation neighbouring residences.

“The building is not listed and there are very few details of any historical impact on the community. Although the building does have its own unique features, the structure is not unique to the surrounding area.

“Upon consultation, the current owners have deemed the building not financially viable for the major renovation or refurbishment required to have it structurally stable and interior made fit for modern use and does not fulfil any requirement for their use of the building.

“The building is proposed to be demolished, and the land made use as a car park with no future proposed developments.”

Rebecchi Architectural is proud to support Ardgowan Hospice with its future strategic plans.

This article appeared in Inverclyde Now.