The ECHO has taken a look inside a historic south Liverpool church - where one of The Beatles is understood to have been baptised in 1943 - after it was sympathetically restored to create high-end apartments.
Our Lady of Good Help church and presbytery in Wavertree has stood on Chestnut Grove for 136 years.
The site is rich in local history and hosted George Harrison's baptism in 1943. His parents also married at the church, which closed ten years ago amid rising costs and a dwindling congregation.
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Now known as Grove Manor, the building comprises nine apartments full to the brim of original features which have been retained and restored.
Intuita Property Group have led the project on behalf of their client Comfort Housing Development Ltd with the support of a £1.1m funding package from specialist lender Together.
Developers worked closely with Liverpool City Council to "respect and preserve" the building. Historic features include sandstone pillars, stained glass windows, the fonts, and the Victorian building’s original doors.
Tom King, director of planning and development at Intuita Property Group, said he knew Grove Manor would be a "special project" when he first visited the church.
"It holds a very special place in the hearts of the local community," he added. "It’s been a privilege to oversee the conversion of such a fantastic building whilst maintaining so many original features. We were passionate about converting the church to provide new accommodation for families and residents, restoring and retaining original features throughout.
"A huge amount of care and consideration has gone into every aspect of this project, and I feel this really shows in the finish."
Mark Holden, relationship manager of development funding at Together, said: "Developers in the North West are very much at the helm when spotting opportunities to develop local landmarks.
"It’s fantastic to have been a part of the Grove Manor project to transform such a special site into homes for local buyers and renters looking for a more unusual place to live. We knew how important it was to preserve the integrity of the former church, recognising the memories and resonance of the building to the community, and we’re thrilled by the results."
The apartments are available to rent from £950 to £1,500 per month.
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