The Old West Kirk - Update
The recent article in the Greenock Telegraph (Friday, 2nd December 2022), provided readers of the changed status of the Old West Kirk.
There was also an announcement on the Lyle Kirk’s Facebook page which summarised the updated status of the OWK. It is reproduced below.
An update on former Old West Kirk
The Church of Scotland is pleased to announce the successful sale of the whole of the site of the former Old West Kirk in Greenock to a well-known local businessman Mr Marco Medinelli.
As part of the sale, Mr Medinelli has granted a formal undertaking by which, for a period of two years following acquisition he:
(a) agrees not to sell the Church;
(b) will not apply for planning consent or listed building consent for change of use of the
Church building for any purpose which might conflict with continuing community use;
(c) will enter into discussions with representatives of the Old West Kirk Trust and associated community groups to allow them to use the Church building for community activities; and
(d) will use his best endeavours to ensure that the Church building continues to be available to the people of Greenock for community purposes.
The Church of Scotland believes the terms of sale together with the additional undertakings represent a very satisfactory outcome providing a secure future for the site of the former Old West Kirk and an opportunity for the local community to become involved in the conservation of the historic Church building.
More on Lyle Kirk’s Facebook Page
There is a bit more information in the personal reflection by the Lyle Kirk’s minister (3rd December 2022).
You can also listen to the announcement made to the Lyle Kirk congregation this morning (4th December 2022 @ 17:27 minutes).
More from IHN?
If and when IHN has any more information about community group involvement, we will let you know.