Presbyterian Church secures £1m to repair Grade A headquarters

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has welcomed a £1m grant to help repair its Grade A listed headquarters in Belfast.

The grant has been issued by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and is the biggest single award ever to be made under the Historic Buildings Grant Aid Scheme, a fund set up to help meet the repair costs of listed buildings, according to the BBC.

"This is very welcome news for the Presbyterian Church which has already embarked on the restoration project and which it is hoped will be completed by the summer of 2010," a spokesman for the Church said.

"It is also good news for those who are concerned to preserve the architectural heritage of Belfast.”

The grant will cover part of the costs of restoring Church House, expected to total £4m by project completion.

The three-storey building, built in 1905, was last renovated 16 years ago to include a 1,300-seater assembly hall and offices. The fresh funds will ensure the Presbyterian Church’s future in the building.

"Some years ago, when the extent and cost of the stonework repairs became clear, the church did consider selling the city centre site and moving elsewhere,” said the Church spokesman.

"However, after protracted internal debate the church decided to stay and refurbish its 100-year-old headquarters, a decision which will now be greatly helped by this generous grant."