Church rebuild approaching 'last-chance saloon'

The Park Church building saw its roof collapse when a fire took hold in 2017

A family who used their life savings to buy a derelict church with the aim of bringing it back into community use say the project may be approaching the "last-chance saloon" as unforeseen issues push up costs.

Park Church in Jarrow, South Tyneside, has stood vacant for almost a decade with its roof collapsing in a fire in 2017, but Paul Taylor is hoping to save it having bought it at auction last year for about £130,000.

However, he said structural issues meant the rebuild price could now be £50,000 higher than initially estimated - taking the total outlay needed to as much as £250,000.

The family have launched an online fundraising appeal to help cover some of the shortfall.

An engineer's report has concluded an arch at the rear of the building on Bede Burn Road will have to be demolished, with the gable end needing to be rebuilt using steelwork as support.

Mr Taylor said he had tried "several different avenues for funding" without luck.

He told the BBC: "Costs have escalated way above what we anticipated, so we're going to be short.

"It was a tight budget to start with and that included a lot of help from volunteers, but we want to make sure we do everything possible to save the church.

"It's a big ask, especially at this time of year, but we thought we'd give it a go because it's probably almost the last-chance saloon unless some funding magically appears from the council or lottery.

"As a family, we're heavily invested in it. On top of the purchase price we've spent £10,000 to £13,000 clearing out the debris. With our other funds we can cover another chunk to about £180,000."

Eighty-five tonnes of debris have been taken out in wheelbarrows, Mr Taylor says

Mr Taylor, who was born in Jarrow and lives nearby, explained his family had been inspired to buy the building by its "130 years of history".

"So many people have said they got christened or married there, or went to the girls' brigade or boys' brigade.

"I like old buildings. It would be sad for it to be destroyed as it used to be the showcase of Jarrow when it was built.

"I don't have sleepless nights [about the amount of work needed], although there are a few things I get stressed about.

"It's not for the faint-hearted. Somebody had to do something."

If the extra costs cannot be covered, Mr Taylor says "Plan B may be to shut the doors until such time we can get funding".

If it can be saved, his family say they would eventually like to open a bistro on the site, although such a business would not be funded by any of the online donations currently being requested.