A search has begun to find an operator to run the much-loved St Luke’s ‘Bombed-out’ Church, following its recent facelift.
The building is set to reopen later this year following essential repairs, which included fixing crumbling stonework plus repairs to the towers and outside railings.
In return for a 21-year lease on a low rent, the successful applicant will have to show that they can run affordable programmes and events with profits then reinvested into the operation, maintenance and improvement of the church.
The operator will also be required to allow public access to St Luke’s free of charge when events are not being held.
It follows a consultation in 2015 which found that the majority of the 6,300 people who responded, were supportive of limited development and events taking place at the site, which was bomb damaged during the blitz in 1941.
The new operator will be expected to take over at the end of this year following completion of the £500,000 structural work, which is jointly funded by Historic England and Liverpool City Council.
Councillor Mark Norris, Heritage Champion at Liverpool City Council, told JMU Journalism: “There has been a huge response to the public application showing how much affection there is from Liverpool for the church.
“We think it is important to preserve and protect St Luke’s Church. It is one of Liverpool’s crown jewels and has huge cultural and historical value to the city.
“We now want to find the right operator that is sensitive to the very special nature of the site and can come up with an events programme that respects the surroundings and is consistent with the results of the public consultation.”
Those who are interested in the position have until March 7th to submit an application