LAND on the St Nicholas Church site in Radstock has been put on the market as the church seeks to raise funds for much-needed maintenance.

Proceeds from the sale of the plot would fund repairs of the church which the Diocese of Bath and Wells describes as in “dire need of revitalisation.”

Churchwarden at St Nicholas’ Church, Sally Camac Griffiths, says the church has a long list of major repairs needed including a new roof, guttering and downpipes as well extensive plaster replacement and major rewiring and lighting inside.

She said: “We have little to no available money, with little income from our congregation.

“While we are approaching various grant-making bodies to raise funds, most, if not all, will expect us to 'match fund' any grants awarded.

“So, we have the land for sale comprising the basketball court, Church Centre, in which SWALLOW hosts the Community Cafe five days a week and field.”

A recreational green space is also included in the package of church land up for sale in Radstock.
A recreational green space is also included in the package of church land up for sale in Radstock. (St. Nicholas’ Church)

She believes the most likely buyers of the site will be housing developers.

The intention providing they manage to sell the land, she says, is to repair and refurbish the Church building with the aim of it being used as a community resource the whole of the week.

The churchwarden explained: “We are at an early stage of consulting architects to have initial plans drawn up, with various models, potentially as a place of worship with a Church Office, a Cafe, and flexible spaces for, at least, our toddler group, concerts, meeting rooms - one for Foodbank storage and welcome for clients, and Warm Spaces and Cool Spaces in support of B&NES' Live Well initiatives.”

She says SWALLOW will be offered the hire of a Cafe area as their preferred partner.

She added: “Once we have some idea of what the possibilities are we then want to consult the public to feed into our plans their needs and wishes.”