ARDGOWAN Hospice has moved to address concerns over its plan to knock down an old Greenock church and build a community garden, saying it would free up enough cash each year to pay for an extra nurse.
The hospice has released a detailed statement explaining the background to its proposals for the Greenock Methodist Church site in Ardgowan Street, beside its current facilities.
It stated: “Last week, we submitted a new planning application to demolish the old Methodist church. We know this has raised concerns in our community, and we want to be completely transparent about why this matters so much to us, and to the patients and families we serve.
“When Ardgowan Hospice purchased the old Methodist Church in 2016, we did so with a clear purpose: to create the space needed for a new hospice that could better serve our community. We own both the church and the adjacent Access building, and combining these plots gives us the footprint we need to eventually build something truly special for Greenock.
“We originally received planning permission to demolish the church, but we didn’t meet the deadline. When we reapplied in 2025, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) objected, and Inverclyde Council had to refuse permission based on that single objection. In August 2025, we invited HES to visit the site and see first-hand what we’re facing. We wanted them to understand what this building represents — not just in historical terms, but in human terms. After reviewing our case, they withdrew their objection, which brings us to the updated plan we have today.
“Every pound we spend maintaining this empty, unusable building is a pound we can’t spend on patient care. Right now, the annual cost of keeping it standing equals the salary of one nurse. That’s difficult to deal with when we’re already struggling with limited government funding and trying to care for over 1,400 patients and families each year.
“The demolition was budgeted in last year’s accounts, so it won’t impact our day-to-day operations this year or next. What we can’t afford is the ongoing drain of maintaining an empty building when those resources could support patient care or help reduce our deficit.”
A structural engineer’s report has confirmed that restoration of the unlisted building, built in 1881, isn’t economically viable, and it would be virtually impossible to convert into facilities that meet today’s standards for patient care.
The hospice continue: “Our mission is caring for people in their most vulnerable moments, and this building, as much as we respect its history, is preventing us from doing that mission justice.
“HES helped us see an opportunity. Instead of leaving an empty plot, we’re going to create something beautiful: a community garden. This garden will replace the current dilapidated building with a green space that’s open to neighbours, provides fresh produce for our hospice kitchen and, most importantly, offers patients, families, and visitors a peaceful place to find comfort, process emotions, and connect with nature during incredibly difficult times.
“We won’t rush this process. Once we secure funding or sponsorship, we’ll involve our staff, volunteers, and neighbours in designing a garden that truly serves everyone.”
A public meeting is to be held in March for anyone who wants to learn more about the hospice’s work and the planning application.
