The future looks bright for St Luke’s Church, with results of a public consultation meaning there will be limited redevelopment of the site.
An online survey ran between August and September following a commitment made by Mayor Joe Anderson to keep what’s popularly known as the ‘Bombed Out Church’ in public ownership and to secure a viable future for the building.
Over 6,300 people responded to the survey, 70 per cent of them from the city and the remainder from around the UK, Hong Kong and Australia.
Three quarters of respondents were in favour of some redevelopment to provide toilets, food and drink facilities, seating and a performance area. More than 80 per cent of people said they would like to see exhibitions at the site, as well as live music, film, theatre and educational projects.
Councillor Mark Norris, Liverpool City Council’s Heritage Champion, said: “It’s great to see such a passionate and informed debate about St Luke’s. The responses we have received have established a good degree of consensus on the core issues of the acceptable extent of development and renovation work and the types of uses and events that people wish to see.”
Co-founder of Independent Liverpool, David Williams, told JMU Journalism: “The Bombed Out Church team endeavour to offer a balanced program of events whilst maintaining the greatest respect for the building’s heritage as together we develop a sense of belonging – encouraging a more secure and positive Liverpool.
“Although haunted with harrowing tales, the building itself is beautiful and a testament to the people of Liverpool as no matter how many times we get knocked down, we still stand proud and tall.
“Keep hold of your confetti for now, the long-term safety of the building cannot be confirmed but we hope this is the beginning of it.”
The iconic landmark is significant in Liverpool’s post-war history as the last bomb site in the city. With continued support on its route to international recognition by dedicated volunteers and notable names including Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono.
Further announcements of a timescale and final plans will be made by Liverpool City Council in the near future.