Cash hope for iconic City Temple chapel in Hull's Hessle Road
AN ICONIC Hessle Road building could receive funding to revitalise it.
The distinctive City Temple chapel has been empty for almost 30 years.
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HERITAGE: Hilary Byers outside the City Temple. Picture: Jack Harland
Two years ago, owners Hessle Rose House Ltd in Essex revealed plans to use the building to house charity facilities and a café.
They received a blow last week when plans to demolish the Sunday school at the back of the building were refused.
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But ward councillor and deputy city council leader Daren Hale revealed there is cash available as part of a wider plan to improve some of the major routes into the city.
A £1.2m pot is being set aside in the budget to tackle derelict buildings and eyesores on the major roads in and out of Hull.
Cllr Hale said: "We are keen to see heritage buildings like City Temple brought back into commercial use.
"It's a shame no temporary use has been found so far.
"We are committed to seeing more of these buildings being used.
"What we need to do is get a scheme together to ensure we can keep this historic building open for future generations."
Hull City Council will look to meet Rana Ahmad, of Hessle Rose House Ltd, in the near future.
Cllr Hale said: "We will be speaking to the developer to see what can be done.
"A lot of people have good memories of City Temple and we want it to have a future.
"We are not just providing grand statements, we have put our money where our mouth is."
Meanwhile, work could start in the next few weeks on giving City Temple a facelift.
Hilary Byers, a consultant with Hull's Heritage Conservation, said: "We are coming towards the end of our Townscape Heritage Initiative to carry out work on the Coltman Street and Boulevard conservation areas.
"We are looking to make the outside of the building presentable by carrying out work such as fixing slates, pointing, cleaning the brickwork and fixing the drains.
"We also hope to fit a classical railing around the outside.
"The owners have decided against their original plans but I'm not sure what they want to do now.
"Hopefully, by improving the appearance, it will encourage others to come forward with a use for it."
Agent David Allsop, who put in the application for the Sunday school's demolition on behalf of the owners, said: "The owners wanted to demolish the Sunday school and then rebuild it."
"They will now go away and reassess what to do next."
The landmark church, which has been derelict since 1984, is on Hull City Council's register of listed buildings at risk because of its poor condition.
6 Comments
by fitlikeman
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 10:45PM
“It's got Witherspoons writen all over it”
by muulii
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 4:04PM
“Mark Hull 65 I agree completely. There are many examples around Hull. One on Beverley Road, one off Newland Avenue, and the one we are talking about here. All very grand buildings that have gone to ruin.
We can't keep them forever because they are historic”
by muulii
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 3:58PM
“1.2 million wont even touch the sides!”
by dascodave
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 2:33PM
“Surely there must be a use for it even if its converted into homes/flats or offices or even an hostel for homeless/drug rehab etc,its a magnificent looking building that should be used instead of demolishing only to be replaced with a new building that looks like a box and as no soul.”
by Mark_Hull_65
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 9:59AM
“While I think it's an impressive building I agree with Millvi, there's a reason why it's been derelict for 30 years and that's because nobody wants it or at least nobody with enough cash without depending on public money.
For all the talk of this being a Christian country it really isn't any more. Nobody goes to church and most nominal Christians know little or nothing about 'their religion'. If you're not getting bums on pews you can't expect to save every single church regardless of how grand the architecture.
Supply and demand innit?”
by Millvi
Wednesday, February 13 2013, 7:54AM
“Church, cafe, charity and support services are already available in the area with the excellent Hessle Road Network located on Massey Street, just off Hessle Road. The centre has an office/cafe/community centre located off the existing church with plenty of car parking facilities, sports fields and an astro turf.
This church has stood empty from 1984 for a reason. Move on Hull CC and spend your money elsewhere. Demolish the church and provide car parking for the area? Already lots of cafes in the area, no demand.”