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"Bombed Out Church" lights up
Liverpool
1 of Liverpool's most famous
landmarks can now be seen in a different light; millions of them in fact! A new
3-G, architectural lighting system means the iconic St Luke's Church, affectionately known as:-
'The Bombed Out Church' can be transformed by any colour
in the spectrum from the touch of a button; anywhere in the world.
The dynamic, colour and visual effect changing installation; has been
commissioned by Liverpool City Council to complete the ₤500,000 restoration of
the 185 year old, City Centre Church.
Designed and fitted by Liverpool lighting company, MJ Quinn, who used specialist
electrical engineers and stone masons, the completion of the scheme also
coincides with Historic England announcing today (Thursday, 26 October) that the
Grade II* listed building has been removed from its Heritage at Risk register.
The early 19th century Gothic Church, which sits within Liverpool's World
Heritage Site buffer zone, was burned out in the 1941 May Blitz in the Second
World War and had been on the Register since its inception in 1999.
Its removal comes as a recent survey shows that almost ₤750m has been invested
into historic assets within the City's UNESCO approved site including the
upgrade of 37 listed buildings since 2012, 18 with Council financial assistance.
A special event to mark this achievement and the full re-opening of the Church
and gardens will be held at 10am, on Thursday, 26 October 2017, with performances by
Liverpool's Pagoda Youth Orchestra Flower Drummers.
Earlier this year Liverpool City Council awarded a 30 year lease to:- "St
Luke's Bombed Out Church Ltd" to run the venue as a distinctive space for
arts and events, that supports the vulnerable and provides opportunities for
volunteering.
The appointment followed a public consultation on the future use of the much
loved, City centre war memorial after the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, made
a commitment to secure its long term viability.
St Luke's Bombed Out Church Ltd have set out a plan to invest in the venue
which, subject to heritage funding, could include reinstating the balcony in the
nave, mezzanine floors in the vestries and potentially a glazed canopy in the
chancel with the nave remaining open to the elements.
The Church and gardens will be open to the public from 11am, after the official
event has completed
online.
Mayor Anderson:- "It's been a personal goal of mine that we restore St
Luke's to its rightful place as one of the City's crown jewels and I'm delighted
that as of today it is no longer on Historic England's Heritage At Risk
Register. This is a landmark moment that heralds an exciting new chapter in its
illustrious history. This amazing new lighting scheme gives St Luke's a whole
new dimension to be part of City wide celebrations. It is also a signal of the
quality we should come to expect as part of a wider strategy to attract, enchant
and enthral a new generation of admirers."
Charles Smith, Principal Adviser for Heritage at Risk at Historic England in the
North West:- "Having been burned out in Second World War, the Grade II*
listed St Luke's Church was one of the North West's longest running Heritage at
Risk cases. Historic England is delighted to have worked in partnership with
Liverpool City Council to deliver the renewal of this great Liverpool landmark,
allowing this much loved building to be used and enjoyed in the future."
Ambrose Reynolds, Director of Bombed Out Church Ltd:- "I've dreamed of
days like today. For me St Luke's has always been a place of beauty and wonder
but now with the support of Liverpool City Council and Historic England everyone
else will get to see it with a fresh pair of eyes. This venue has so much
potential and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to help shape its future."
Karl Monaghan, Director at M J Quinn:- "M J Quinn are delighted to have
had the opportunity to support Liverpool City Council to transform and
illuminate such a historic building as St Luke's Church. As a local company we
are proud to be identified with this project and to have been part of an
enthusiastic team working together with Council and the recently appointed venue
operator."
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