'Mixed feelings' as work starts to demolish historic Coventry church

Boarded up windows of St Nicholas Church, Radford
-Credit: (Image: Building defect report)


Work to knock down a crumbling 1950s Coventry church has sparked "mixed feelings" among its former congregation. Churchgoers moved out of St Nicholas Church in Radford when it became "unsafe" 15 years ago.

Plans to demolish the damp and damaged building for a 38-bed care home were agreed last month. The city's diocese claimed this was the "only viable option" and planning reports claimed repairs would cost £2.8 million.

But a campaign group claimed the building could be "reused and revitalized." Now a representative for the congregation has spoken out - and admitted there are "mixed feelings" as the church is lost to the bulldozers.

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The church hall at St Nicholas Church in Coventry
The church hall at St Nicholas Church in Coventry -Credit:St Nicholas Church

In a statement on behalf of the group, parish priest Fr Dexter Bracey said: "There are many mixed feelings for us all as we see the demolition work begin on our old church building.

"On the one hand, there is relief that a dangerous and derelict building is finally being removed, and that the congregation can now move on with life 15 years after having to vacate the old church. But on the other hand, there are many fond memories of happy occasions in the church."

The group held a thanksgiving service for the old church on 28 September. Fr Bracey said they celebrated the "life of faith and fun" lived out in the church but also "acknowledged the sadness that the building had come to the end of its life."

"The first church of St Nicholas was destroyed by bombing. The second has been destroyed by wind, rain and poor design," he said.

"But the life of the church carries on, and we meet for regular worship and social activities in the church hall, which remain in use and will continue after the church building has gone."

Inside the church hall at St Nicholas Church in Coventry
Inside the church hall at St Nicholas Church in Coventry -Credit:St Nicholas Church

Fr Bracey also confirmed the church yard will not be affected by the scheme. People will still be able to visit loved ones' gaves and parish residents have the right to be buried there, he said.

He revealed the yard now being managed by St Francis, the new parish church for Radford. Money from the sale of the land at St Nicholas' Church will go on developing St Francis Church, the diocese stated last month.

"This will benefit both the church and the local community," they said. St Francis' church building also dates back to the 1950s and has suffered problems.

In a post last month celebrating the church's new roof, the diocese referred to the "dreadful state" of the building - a "huge concern" for "many years." Rainwater from a leaking roof has led to disruption and damage, they said.

But over the summer the roof was replaced thanks to the support of local businesses. The church houses a charity which supports unemployed people, and other activities ranging from English classes to a community cafe.

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