Derelict church in Stockport set for £1m residential transformation

The new owner of a disused church in Greater Manchester is transforming the site into apartments with a £1m investment.

Manchester-based investor The Blackmore Group will turn St Augustine’s Church in Cheadle Heath, Stockport, into nine two-bed flats across two floors.

Work is underway on the first phase of the project, which involves a cleanup and restoration of the 19th-century building.

The church fell into disrepair and was vandalised after closing its doors in 2007.

Religious leaders decided the site was no longer viable, as it could not be insured due to problems with the building’s electrics too costly to fix. As a result, the congregation moved to another church.

In its plans for the property, The Blackmore Group will retain all the original windows, pillars and the property’s distinct tower.

Further, the old entrance hall will serve as the main entrance to the apartments, which are due to be priced from around £175k.

Luke Averill, a director of The Blackmore Group, said of the development: “This is a fantastic opportunity to redevelop a local landmark in a wonderful location.

“We are excited to start on this project.”

The Blackmore Group acquired the property through its Blackmore Bond, launched in 2016 to fund residential and commercial property development.

St Augustine’s is the first site in the North West to be acquired through the bond, and the third overall.

Speaking further, Luke said: “We have picked up the scheme where a previous developer felt he would be unable to complete the project.

“It is the first of what we anticipate will be many development projects in the North West for the Blackmore Bond, which is designed to enable investors to access property development and investment growth opportunities that have traditionally been the preserve of larger financial institutions.”

Cheadle Hulme-based Chrome Services is appointed as the project’s main contractor.

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