Former church to make way for new care home

The demolition of St Nicholas' Church is the "only viable option", the diocese says

A crumbling 1950s church is set to be knocked down in Coventry to make way for a new 38-bed care home.

Plans to bulldoze St Nicholas' Church in Radford were approved by Coventry City Council planning officers in September.

Severe damp from a leaking roof, asbestos and damage throughout the church were found during inspections commissioned ahead of the application.

The new home, which will be for adults with complex needs, will create 100 jobs, operator Exemplar Health care said.

The distinctive, locally listed church was first built 70 years ago to replace one destroyed in the Blitz.

Stephen Davenport from the Diocese of Coventry said teams were "sad" to lose the building, but it was the only viable option.

The new care home is expected to house 38 residents with complex needs

"Decisions regarding the church building have not been taken lightly and a full legal consultation has been carried out at every stage," he said.

Mr Davenport said proceeds from selling the land would go towards the development of St Francis Church in Radford.

Charlotte Lloyd, Director of Commissioning at Exemplar Health Care, said the project would "make a huge difference to the lives of adults with complex care needs".

She said: "Our new home will greatly improve the experience of people in the local area receiving care and support."

Work to demolish the site is due to start in the coming months, with construction on the new building beginning by the end of this year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.