ARDGOWAN Hospice has again applied to demolish a historic church building beside their facility in Greenock, this time proposing to create a community garden on the cleared site.
The hospice bought the former Greenock Methodist property in Ardgowan Street as part of redevelopment plans that have not progressed so far.
Inverclyde Council planners last year refused permission for demolition saying it would be “contrary to the Historic Environment Policy for Scotland”.
Now the hospice is trying again, but this time with a plan for a community garden.
A supporting statement submitted on behalf of the hospice to the council by Rebecchi Architectural explains: “The proposal would create a welcoming space in which the Ardgowan Hospice patients and local community groups can socialise whilst growing vegetables, fruit and herbs within an accessible outdoor environment.
“The church building is in a dilapidated state with cracking to the rear structure. Given the building is not fit for purpose, it is no longer of any use to Ardgowan Hospice.
“Furthermore, each winter slates fall from the roof causing a danger, and the high cost of repairs to a vacant building is not in the interest of the hospice’s patients.
“Therefore, given the hospice currently has a lack of outdoor space, utilising this land for a community garden would provide this in an appropriately convenient location whilst greatly improving the overall character of the area.”
Another document states: “Ardgowan Hospice purchased the old Methodist Church in 2016 with the clear intention of securing a larger footprint necessary for the building of a new hospice on the combined plots of the church and the adjacent Access building.
“The proposed demolition is not merely an arbitrary change, but a necessary step to enable a significant development that meets acute social and community needs.
“These changes, by necessity, must be completed in phases. The initial phase involves demolishing the church and creating a community garden, which would benefit our patients and their families.
“The hospice’s long-term plans align with Historic Environment Scotland’s broader strategic goals, despite involving the demolition of an unused, dilapidated building, and will contribute to the sustainable development of communities and places.”
A report prepared for the hospice by a retired chartered surveyor argues that converting the building into flats would not be financially viable.
The church was completed in 1881 and closed in 2017.
The hospice’s new proposals are now pending consideration by council officials.
