New life for former ‘church’?

A former “place of worship” for a fringe form of Christianity could be transformed into homes after sitting dormant for three years.

Developer Paul Briner has lodged plans to transform the Christian Science Society Canterbury’s former base in Beer Cart Lane into two houses.

The building, positioned next to the Ambrette restaurant, had acted as the base for the church’s city branch for about 40 years.

But, after it changed hands in 2019, it has remained vacant while estate agency Caxtons marketed it for £400,000.

A report compiled by the firm reads: “There have only been four viewings.

“There is little or no demand for this property whilst it retains the current planning use.”

Originally constructed as a meat store, the site was bought and renovated by the Christian

Science Society in the 1970s.

Dating back to 1879, the religion was founded by American Mary Baker Eddy, when she claimed to have dramatically recovered from a life-threatening accident after reading one of Jesus’ healings.

She became known as a “healer” and, according to Christian Science bosses, claimed her teachings “could be applied by anyone to heal every form of human suffering and sin”.

Her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures became the religion’s central text, as it expanded globally.

And in Canterbury, its city centre branch was used to hold weekly services and monthly “testimonies”, while also having a reading room where followers studied, borrowed or purchased literature.

Planning documents say: “Due to a lack of interest from local groups for its use as a place of worship, the current owners sought to re-purpose the property as a gym.

“But due to the impact of the pandemic it has remained empty since March 2020, even though it has been marketed throughout this period.

“It has proved impossible to find a buyer. There appears to be little or no demand for this property as a place of worship.”

Papers show Mr Briner wants to convert the property into a pair of two-bedroom homes.

Following what the developer describes as a “partial demolition”, the front doors to both of the houses will be accessed through a communal hallway.

The building in Beer Cart Lane has been empty since 2019

CGI showing how the development could look