The Grade II* former Church of St Luke in Warrington, built in 1892 by Bodley & Garner.
The former church of St Luke was designed by the distinguished architect George Frederick Bodley and built from 1892-3. It was declared redundant over thirty years ago and has since served as builders’ storage. The interior of this church is where its significance lies. This is one of only three examples of churches designed by Bodley with a double nave under a single roof, separated by a tall, slender central arcade. It is extremely unorthodox and highly inventive, and the result is remarkable. A new use is clearly required for this highly significant building, one that respects the extraordinary nature of its interior.
Christopher Costelloe, Director of the The Victorian Society, said: ‘This is a really unusual church of great architectural interest, by one of the greatest architects of the period. It is far too good to be lost, and its importance lies predominantly in its interior, making subdivision impossible. Public bodies and Warrington Council need to give serious thought on how to save this architectural jewel.’