Llanelli Star

£100K TAG FOR FIRE-HIT CHURCH

- Robert Dalling Reporter rob.dalling@walesonlin­e.co.uk ■ If you would like to express your interest in the church, visit https:// nplinnells.co.uk/listings/ former-parkcongre­gational-chapelmurr­ay-street-llanellisa­15-1aq/

A HISTORIC Llanelli church which was destroyed by fire nearly six years ago has gone up for sale for £100,000 - but is in need of a “complete rebuilding programme”.

Park Church, a former place of worship, which is more than 150 years old, was destroyed by a huge blaze in August 2015, which saw 40 firefighte­rs on hand tackling the fire for more than two hours.

It saw streets blocked off and neighbouri­ng homes evacuated, with the heat so intense it could be felt 500 yards away.

The sight of Park Church engulfed in smoke with flames reaching high into the night sky was a traumatic and upsetting experience for many, especially those living in the vicinity of the church.

Today, just the shell of the building remains with the spire still reaching to the heavens. Lost, however, are the beautiful and historic stained glass windows and the expertly carved internal architectu­re which made the church such an uniquely historical building.

Little apparent activity took place to revive the old building in the years that followed, with it being fenced off to prevent access to the public, but otherwise allowed to deteriorat­e.

But now there are positive signs for its future. NP Linnells Property Consultant­s are currently marketing the old church for sale for offers in excess of £100,000 on a freehold basis.

A descriptio­n on its website reads: “The property is situated on the corner of Murray Street and Inkerman Street within Llanelli town centre and comprises a Grade II Listed detached former church premises of stone constructi­on.

“The property also consists of a formed Sunday School building to the rear of the main church.

“The building has been significan­tly damaged by fire and requires a complete rebuilding programme.”

And it adds that there is potential to change it into a different use in future. The listing reads: “We understand that the property has been historical­ly used as a place of worship, however the property has the potential for residentia­l (or other) developmen­t subject to all necessary consents.”

In 2019, we reported on the sad state inside the old church, after a resident had gained access inside to find graffiti-daubed walls, broken tables and chairs, fire debris, overgrown greenery and a strong smell of cannabis.

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 ?? Picture: Adrian White © ?? Park Church Llanelli is up for sale for £100,000.
Picture: Adrian White © Park Church Llanelli is up for sale for £100,000.
 ?? Picture: Gayle Marsh ?? The 2015 blaze at Park Church in Murray Street, Llanelli.
Picture: Gayle Marsh The 2015 blaze at Park Church in Murray Street, Llanelli.

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