Historic Sydenham building likely to remain as church

Some members of the church’s trust, in descending order, are Andrew McIntosh, Cr. Sue Wells and Tony Ussher, Jennie Hamilton and Edith Devonish and Valerie Heinz, far right. In front are Neil Roberts and Pam Wilson.

First use of the historic Sydenham Methodist (Samoan) Church under new management will probably be to continue as a church.

The City Council has made an interest-free loan to a newly formed trust for the purchase and restoration of the church.

Trust chairman Neil Roberts says that a business plan is being drawn up and in the first instance, after some restoration, the building will be used as a church again.

This did not involve a change of use under planning regulations and therefore did not require full earthquake strengthening.

Mr Roberts says funds have to be collected and he will be looking for a group to help with fundraising.

Weather protection, such as fixing leaks, strengthening, refurbishment, and providing car parking, will be carried out first.

The trust does not know what the ultimate use of the church will be but it is pleased that the 130 year-old building has been saved for the city.

The formation of a trust makes it eligible for charitable funding, lotteries grants, and able to accept donations from the community.

Mr Roberts says the trust faces a formidable task but he is confident about the outcome.