Permission granted for new flats at Hillhead Church in Glasgow – Scottish Construction Now

Published 14 May 2020

Wemyss Properties has been given the green light to build an exclusive development of 29 new flats on the site of the formerHillheadBaptist Church building, just off Byres Road in Glasgows West End.

Working in partnership with the members ofHillheadBaptist Church, Wemyss is looking to retain the faade of the B-listed church, whilst securing the future of the good work that the church does in the community.

The main Sanctuary has been empty for almost two decades, as it was considered unsafe to continue to occupy. In 2016, the congregation took the decision to vacate The Tryst which was also beginning to deteriorate. Church services are currently held in a nearby hotel.

Subject to understanding the after-effects of the current coronavirus crisis, it is anticipated that workwill start in 2021. The new one, two and three-bedroom apartments, designed by EMA Architects, will be housed in a five-level contemporary extension behind a restored faade, using sympathetic materials.

Matthew Atton, managing director of Wemyss Properties, said: We are delighted to secure detailed planning permission for this exciting development. We have been working with the trustees and the congregation ofHillheadBaptist Church now for nearly three years to try and retain the existing faade, but more importantly, to provide the church with a new facility that will ensure its presence in the community for many more generations.

The redevelopment will also provide sustainable, stylish and quality homes, positioned in a much sought-after location, and close to a wealth of amenities, including shops, cafes, galleries and parks.

The Rev Catriona Gorton, minister ofHillheadBaptist Church, added: The church has worked for many years to find a solution which would safeguard this much-loved building, so its a huge relief to get the go-ahead for this sensitive scheme.

Not only will itprotect this historic building, it will also ensure its future as a home for our congregation, and as a significant, and much needed, community hub forHillheadand the surrounding area.

The redevelopment ofHillheadBaptist Church will add to the successful developments completed by Wemyss Properties in recent years in Glasgows West End, including its current development on Newton Place in the Park Area.

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Permission granted for new flats at Hillhead Church in Glasgow - Scottish Construction Now