Freemantle United Reformed Church set to be sold off

The United Reformed Church (Wessex) Trust had sought planning permission to vacate its existing offices in Alma Road, Southampton, and move to St Mark's Church in Archers Road.

Under the plan, services held at St Mark's would have been relocated to the disused Freemantle United Reformed Church in Shirley Road.

But the application has now been withdrawn.

A Trust spokesperson said the accommodation needs of the Wessex Synod and Trust had changed, which meant the larger space offered by St Mark's was no longer required.

The Freemantle church would be put on the market, with the proceeds from any sale being used to support the Synod's charity work.

Plans to turn St Mark's Church into offices and hold services elsewhere have been scrapped (Image: Spruce Town Planning)

The spokesperson added: "The Trust and Synod offices will remain at Alma Road.

"St Mark’s Church is part of the Church of England and the Trust is not privy to its plans. We do however offer our best wishes for the congregation's continuing ministry in the community."

The application was submitted to Southampton City Council on May 3, 2023.

It said moving services from Archers Road to Shirley Road would enable St Mark's to develop its congregation as well as build stronger links with the adjacent St Mark's School.

"In exchange, the URC will occupy St Mark's for administration and training operations.

Plans to turn St Mark's Church into offices and hold services elsewhere have been scrapped (Image: Spruce Town Planning)

"The main hall will be retained and as such the building will remain suitable for use by community groups as a community facility should the URC wish to do so in the future."

"The Freemantle church has the capacity to absorb the St Mark's congregation.

"Although the two buildings are located in different wards, they are within walking distance of each other and therefore it is feasible for the congregation to relocate."

The application said the Freemantle church was "significantly bigger" than St Mark's, adding: "There is scope for the Church of England to develop the congregation as well as provide ongoing facilities for community groups."

St Mark's would continue to be used as a place of worship, but only by URC staff and their visitors.

"The proposal will preserve the character of the area and the existing relationship with neighbouring dwellings."

Summing up the statement added: "The proposals will create a building with flexible use to enable URC to carry out administration and support services alongside a small-scale place of worship."

People who worshipped at the Freemantle site now attend services at other URC buildings in the city.