The charming Victorian church offers potential for various new uses.
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A late Victorian church in Lossiemouth, St Gerardine’s, has recently been put up for sale following its closure as part of significant cuts by the Church of Scotland. Designed by the renowned Scottish architect Sir John James Burnet, this B-listed building is now available for offers over £150,000.
Closure and future prospects
The church held its final service in December 2023, marking the end of an era for the local congregation. This closure is part of a broader initiative by the Church of Scotland to consolidate its resources, merging St Gerardine’s with St James’ Church into a single parish named Lossiemouth Church of Scotland.
This strategic move aims to alleviate financial pressures on congregations and redirect funds to more pressing needs.
Architectural features and potential uses
St Gerardine’s Church boasts impressive stained glass windows that depict various biblical themes, adding to its charm and character. The building is designed in an L-shape, featuring an entrance porch that leads into an inner hall, a main worship area, a chancel, and a vestry equipped with a toilet. Additionally, a corridor connects to a kitchen and a church hall, which can be divided using concertina doors, making it versatile for different functions.
Surrounded by a large area of land, the church offers stunning views of the beach, sea, and countryside. Church officials have suggested that the building could be repurposed into a creche, nursery, museum, or gallery without requiring change of use consent. Furthermore, there is potential for it to serve as a cinema, retail space, community hub, or even residential accommodation, pending the necessary approvals.
Trends in church redevelopment
The trend of repurposing former Church of Scotland buildings is becoming increasingly common. For instance, Burghead Parish Church is being considered for conversion into a larger Scotmid store, while St Margaret’s Hall in Urquhart is set to become a three-bedroom home for a local doctor. Similarly, plans have been approved to transform the former Rathven Church Hall into a residential property.
As the Church of Scotland continues to reassess its property portfolio, the future of other buildings, such as St Giles Church, remains uncertain, with intentions to dispose of the property by August 2027. The sale of St Gerardine’s Church presents a unique opportunity for developers and community members alike to breathe new life into a historic structure.
For those interested in exploring the potential of this charming church, further details can be found in the full sales listing for St Gerardine’s Church.
