Planning permission sought for fire-damaged Greenisland Parish Church repair work
A planning application has been lodged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for repairs to a Greenisland church which suffered devastating damage in a fire more than a year ago.
The application for repairs to the Church of the Holy Name at Station Road church premises and reinstatement of parish centre, including the thrift shop, has been made by an agent on behalf of the church’s select vestry.
A design and access statement submitted with the application noted that the church, a listed building, also known as Greenisland Parish Church, was completed in 1955. The congregation was celebrating its 70th anniversary when the blaze occurred in September 2024.
It indicated that the parish centre, attached to the rear of the church building, was constructed in 2000 with the addition of a small community shop in 2014.
The statement said: “The fire in September 2024 caused catastrophic damage to the parish centre and thrift shop requiring total demolition. The fire extended to the original church building causing major damage to the roof and intensive smoke damage.”
It was noted that the church and vestry do not require demolition despite “significant damage” to the roof structure. The proposal is to reinstate the roof.
The stained-glass windows which were described as being of “significant importance” have been protected since the fire. The church was given a Class B1 Listing in 1994.which extends to gate pillars and railings.
Currently, Sunday worship takes place at Greenisland Methodist Church with temporary accommodation for a shop, clubs and societies. The community shop is located in a portable building at the rear of Church of the Holy Name with clubs hosted by Greenisland Methodist and Greenisland Football Club.
An online fundraiser set up in the aftermath of the blaze has raised just over £27,000.
The organiser noted: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support of the community after the devastating fire at the Church of the Holy Name (Church of Ireland) in Greenisland.”
Three boys, two aged 11 and a 10-year-old at the time, were charged with arson but were not prosecuted in favour of a community diversion programme.