PLANS are in for the extensive redevelopment of an unused church in Eglinton to construct a creative arts and business complex.
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The $250,000 redevelopment is for the St Luke’s Anglican Church, formally known as the Muller Memorial Church, on Alexander Street.
The church at 27 Alexander Street, next door to Eglinton Public School, has been unused since 1986.
Guided Paradigm Pty Ltd has lodged plans with Bathurst Regional Council to redevelop the church and add an additional building on the block of land.
The development application (DA) shows the existing church building will be converted into a gallery, with a paved courtyard to be constructed along its southern side.
“It is proposed that the former church building will be used as a gallery for permanent display of local historical effects, as well as a dynamic display area for a variety of artworks and creative pursuits,” the DA states.
A new building is also proposed which will run parallel to the church and then along the western rear area of the land.
It is proposed that the former church building will be used as a gallery for permanent display of local historical effects, as well as a dynamic display area for a variety of artworks and creative pursuits.
- Development application
“It is proposed that the development will provide an office or business premises for up to five tenants including a small cafe, quilting studio, natural therapy consultant and two other tenants who may provide a service such as an artist, bookkeeper or tutor,” the document shows.
The new building will be constructed so that its profile matches the existing church building as closely as possible.
“The development is designed to face inwards towards a central courtyard which opens out towards the street,” the DA states.
“This will provide more privacy to adjoining properties than what is currently exposed with the vacant block.
“It is not anticipated that the studio/office suites will generate noise that will affect the amenity of the area.”
A driveway will run along the property’s southern boundary to five car parks at the rear of the buildings. One disabled parking spot will be included.
Landscaping will be undertaken along the property’s street front, with additional landscaping at the rear.
Church facts:
- The church first opened on November 18, 1900 and was named after John Deitrich Muller who erected many of the older buildings in the district. He also led the Eglinton Sunday School for 38 years until his death in 1899.
- Of the three original churches in Eglinton, this church building is the only one to remain.
- The church building was constructed between the late Victorian and early Federation periods.