Planners approve scheme to convert Grade II-listed Church in Liverpool region into luxury apartments. Tony McDonough reports

Planners in Sefton have approved a scheme to convert a church in Blundellsands into luxury apartments.

Acting on behalf of Winter Melia, Liverpool architects Falconer Chester Hall (FCH) secured planning consent for the project. It will see the Grade II-listed United Reformed Church on the corner of Warren Road and The Serpentine into nine apartments.

FCH says the development will be undertaken with “minimal interventions”. The church sits opposite the area’s private Key Park – home to Blundellsands Lawn Tennis Club. It is also close to Antony Gormley’s famous Other Place installation on Crosby beach. 

Robert Brym, associate director at FCH’s Liverpool studio, said: “A fundamental element of the success of the conversion of the church is to retain the inherent character.

“Careful consideration of the design for the scheme has ensured the original features are incorporated into the apartments. 

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“The proposed layouts protect existing stained glass windows and allow for natural light to flood the spacious rooms.  The new floors will be supported by an independent structure that does not compromise the existing fabric of the church.”

Entrepreneur Phil Melia, director of Winter Melia, has already completed a number of property projects around Merseyside. He added: “Winter Melia are specialists in the conversion of listed buildings into modern living spaces.

“The United Reformed Church presented us with a unique opportunity. Working closely with FCH on the design resulted in the creation of a luxurious, low density scheme.

“The spacious duplex/triplex apartments are in keeping with the demand of the location, appealing to a wider audience, including families and those wishing to downsize.”

Other consultants on the scheme include: Liath Heritage and Design (heritage), Orion Fire Engineering, Vectos (highways), AEC Acoustic & Engineering Consultants and Lally Tree Management.