WORK to demolish a historic Greenock church building is due to get underway.
The former Greenock Methodist property in Ardgowan Street, which was completed in 1881, will be knocked down over the next couple of months.
Greenock Methodist Church closed in November 2017. The site is owned by Ardgowan Hospice which decided to demolish the building because its structural integrity has significantly deteriorated.
The hospice stated: “Extensive repairs and renovations were deemed financially unfeasible. With insurance and utilities standing charges alone, it cost Ardgowan Hospice approximately £7,500 last year and it is expected that these charges would be a minimum of £11,000 due to increasing insurance premiums and standing charges.
“As these figures do not include the staff cost of weekly inspections and any fundamental repairs that are needed to keep the building safe for our neighbours, it was deemed financially unsustainable to keep this church open and operating.
“The demolition of the Greenock Methodist Church signifies a poignant moment in the town’s history, reflecting both the inevitability of change and the importance of preserving memories. As Greenock moves forward, the legacy of the church will continue to resonate within the community, reminding everyone of the rich heritage that shaped their town.
“We were very aware that this building would hold memories of worship, celebration, and remembrance for some people; therefore, we invited members of the congregation to a small event held in our ACCESS building in July.
“It was lovely to welcome a group to view the church, from the outside due to safety reasons, come back to our building for an afternoon tea, share memories, and give thanks to God for what that place had meant to so many people over the generations.”
