The redevelopment of St Cyprian’s Church on Edge Lane in Liverpool has now been completed and with it, this 19th century building that holds pride of place on one of the key routes into Liverpool has been returned to its former glory.
Having stood derelict for a number of years St Cyprian’s Church, which is passed by thousands of commuters every day, recently received the addition of a new wing and the 119 studio apartments within the development are now open to tenants. All units have already sold to investors, who each received a guaranteed rental package. Many are now tenanted but the stunning studios within the existing church section have only recently been revealed. They are now being offered by the building’s managing agent Address Properties.
Many of the church’s original features have been preserved and incorporated into the design of the studios as beautifully unique features. Exposed brickwork is prevalent and a number of the units also have large, round windows. The impressive stained glass window, that was painstakingly preserved, creates a colourful effect in the building’s main staircase.
As well as these unique features, St Cyprian’s also boasts amenities that make it an attractive place to live for students and young professionals. The one bedroomed studios are available in a range of sizes and styles, including a number of duplexes and are a short walk or drive from the city centre and University of Liverpool. For a fixed price rental, available from £95 per week with bills and high speed internet included, tenants have access to a number of common rooms, as well as an on-site gym.
Alex Bennet of Address Properties said:
“These studios are simply stunning. Efforts have been made to not just preserve but feature the unique nature of the building. Carvings and moldings clearly visible in a number of the units will definitely remind tenants that they are living in a church. Of course the modern amenities like high speed internet and a gym bring the development up to the 21st century!
“The two blocks – one a new build and the other dating back to 1879 – are very distinct in their styles and the studios vary in size and shape, so St Cyprian’s really does meet a wide range of criteria. We are pleased to be bringing these studios to the market and expect those remaining available to go pretty quickly.”
Steven Bennett, Senior Architectural Technician from Liverpool based KDP Architects who worked on the site added “We were given the rare opportunity to restore this iconic landmark building on Edge Lane that had been left abandoned for far too long. Working with the Local Council, Church Commission and English Heritage we designed a new build adjacent to the Church. This was named the Cube which is linked only at ground floor level to the Church via a glass link. We looked to sympathetically restore the Church with only minor changes to the historic external fabric of the Church, whilst introducing a modern addition in the form of the Cube which we hope complement each other and are both of their time.
Within the Church we looked to showcase the existing features which have been retained and are visible throughout and now complemented by the modern forms which are constructed around them. St Cyprians Church was constructed in 1879-81 and following the substantial refurbishment completed in 2016 we hope this will remain as an iconic landmark building for future generations to come.”
There is still one outstanding piece of restoration work on St Cyprian’s and it is likely to be appreciated by rushing commuters, once completed. The church clock, that has been in disrepair for years, is about to get some expert help. The Cumbria Clock Company, Penrith based specialists in heritage clock tower repair, have been drafted in and will begin work shortly. Having worked on Big Ben and other high profile projects, the final piece of the St Cyprian’s site is certain to be in working order very soon.