Landmark Wolverhampton church named as one of the most at-risk buildings

The Victorian Society say the church, which sits at the corner of Darlington Street and School Street in the city, faces a "bleak future as efforts to find a purchaser have failed".

The society has named it as one of the 10 most at-risk buildings in the country – which also includes the Brighton Hippodrome, the former Bavaria Place Police Station in Bradford and the Samaritan Hospital for Women in London.

The first church on the Darlington Methodist Church site opened in 1825 and became bigger in 1851. The current building was opened in 1901.

It closed in September 2019 and national property consultancy Bruton Knowles was appointed to hep find a joint venture partner to take on part of the landmark building. But efforts so far have proved unsuccessful.

A Wolverhampton Council spokesman said they shared concerns about the building and are working with the owners to find a future use of the building.

The Revd Christopher Collins, Superintendent Minister of the Wolverhampton Methodist Circuit, said: "We are making positive steps to tackle urgent repairs, and ensure the building’s security whilst we progress our conversations with the local authority and potential purchasers.

"We are grateful for the interest of the Victorian Society in the preservation of our Methodist heritage, and we hope to find a long term solution for this building as soon as we are able.”

A spokesman for Bruton Knowles said: “We are actively continuing to market Darlington Street Methodist Church with the aim of securing a potential buyer who can invest in the restoration of this historical building and are happy to discuss the site with interested parties who want further information on this property.”

Comedian and television presenter, Griff Rhys Jones, who is president of the Victorian Society, said: "To have such a wonderful building in such a state in the centre of Wolverhampton sends out a terrible message. Too often this leads to accusations of buildings becoming an eyesore.

"Surely a community can be found for this stunning building that has long served the people of Wolverhampton?

"The council should take enforcement action to prevent further deterioration."

A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council said: "We share the concerns raised about this important building in our city and we are working with the owners and interested parties to find a future use for this building."

Darlington Street Methodist Church held its final service on Sunday, September 29, 2019. It was announced that month that the church would close, after approval was given by the Methodist District Synod.

The decision came after more than a year of uncertainty – after church leaders originally met in 2018 to discuss how to overcome "increasing challenges".

The interior of the church has vaulted ceilings with richly ornamented plasterwork, as well as original gallery seating. It also features an organ by Nicholson & Co of Worcester.

Bruton Knowles has been approached for comment.