Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Business
Storm Newton

Church where Beatle was baptised transformed into luxury flats

The ECHO has taken a look inside a historic south Liverpool church - where one of The Beatles is understood to have been baptised in 1943 - after it was sympathetically restored to create high-end apartments.

Our Lady of Good Help church and presbytery in Wavertree has stood on Chestnut Grove for 136 years.

The site is rich in local history and hosted George Harrison's baptism in 1943. His parents also married at the church, which closed ten years ago amid rising costs and a dwindling congregation.

READ MORE: Schoolboys turn a profit after seeing gap in the market

Now known as Grove Manor, the building comprises nine apartments full to the brim of original features which have been retained and restored.

Intuita Property Group have led the project on behalf of their client Comfort Housing Development Ltd with the support of a £1.1m funding package from specialist lender Together.

The lavish living space in one of the apartments, which includes a high-end kitchen and bi-fold doors leading to an indoor terrace (PAUL MCMULLIN)

Developers worked closely with Liverpool City Council to "respect and preserve" the building. Historic features include sandstone pillars, stained glass windows, the fonts, and the Victorian building’s original doors.

Tom King, director of planning and development at Intuita Property Group, said he knew Grove Manor would be a "special project" when he first visited the church.

The stunning stained glass windows of the church have been preserved (PAUL MCMULLIN)

"It holds a very special place in the hearts of the local community," he added. "It’s been a privilege to oversee the conversion of such a fantastic building whilst maintaining so many original features. We were passionate about converting the church to provide new accommodation for families and residents, restoring and retaining original features throughout.

"A huge amount of care and consideration has gone into every aspect of this project, and I feel this really shows in the finish."

The hallway of one unit includes a huge internal window overlooking the dining area (PAUL MCMULLIN)

Mark Holden, relationship manager of development funding at Together, said: "Developers in the North West are very much at the helm when spotting opportunities to develop local landmarks.

"It’s fantastic to have been a part of the Grove Manor project to transform such a special site into homes for local buyers and renters looking for a more unusual place to live. We knew how important it was to preserve the integrity of the former church, recognising the memories and resonance of the building to the community, and we’re thrilled by the results."

The apartments are available to rent from £950 to £1,500 per month.

Receive our House and Home property newsletter twice a week

READ NEXT:

Snapchat, 'slavery' and how Merseyside gang bosses are lining their pockets off the misery of children

Arrest made after girl, 16, raped in nightclub toilet cubicle

Schoolboys turn a profit after seeing gap in the market

15 lost Clayton Square shops we all remember in the city centre

Marks and Spencer's £10 perfume 'smells like' £157 Le Labo fragrance

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.