Community to shape future of derelict priest’s residence
Project to revive historic priest’s house after years of decline. Tony Henderson reports
A historic former priest’s residence is to be brought back to life by a community project after lying empty for 15 years.
The Grade II* listed presbytery attached to St Michael’s Church in Elswick, Newcastle, was built between 1889 and 1891.
Since its closure, the three-storey presbytery has deteriorated significantly, with water damage and structural issues. The building has been on the Heritage at Risk Register since 2015.
Community involvement will form the backbone of redevelopment plans, ensuring local needs and ambition drive design concepts for the building’s reuse.
On Thursday, October 30, from 3-5pm, there will be a community event at St Michael’s Church where local residents can learn about the project and contribute ideas for the presbytery’s transformation.
Involving younger people is a key priority for the project, as they will be the custodians of the building’s future.
The revival project is funded with grants of £40,988 from Historic England, £15,198 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £2,000 from the William Leech Foundation, alongside local parish contributions.
Maria Carballeira, architect at Historic England, said: “Historic buildings can play a vital role in giving local communities a sense of pride and identity, as well as providing them with a space to socialise, learn and grow. The presbytery has huge potential and I look forward to seeing what exciting plans the community have for it.”
Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Places of worship are some of the most treasured historic buildings across the North East, and many play an important role as a cornerstone for our heritage and communities.
“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project can identify what the next steps are towards ensuring the presbytery has a sustainable future whilst forging stronger links with the local community by giving them the opportunity to help shape the redevelopment.”
Fiona Standfield, chief operating officer, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, said: “We are delighted to be working with Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund on this feasibility study for St Michael’s presbytery.
“This project is an important step in exploring how we can safeguard the heritage of this historic building while ensuring it continues to serve and enrich the local community for generations to come.”
Fr William Nicol, parish priest at St Michael’s Church, said: “St Michael’s Presbytery is an important part of our parish’s heritage, and we are excited to explore how it could be brought back into use for the community.
“This feasibility study will help us understand the building’s potential while considering how it might best serve the parish and local residents in the future.”