All Hallows church and hall at Witts Hill are to close and be put up for sale by the Bitterne Park Parish after a final service in April.
A Bitterne Park Parish spokesperson said that the building, which is something of a local landmark and which was dedicated in 1951, is no longer cost-effective to keep open because of the cost of repairs and alterations needed.
“We expect to sell the church building in order to have more resources to support our community here in Bitterne Park. We don't know if the building will be demolished at this point, or have any time scales for a sale,” she said.
Talking to communities
“We’re working with the parishioners at All Hallows to make sure that they’re able to attend the services at the Church of the Ascension, our other building in the parish, and we’re also talking to the different communities who use the All Hallows parish hall to accommodate them at the Church of the Ascension where possible.”
The Church of Ascension building off Cobden Avenue in Thorold Road underwent an extensive re-design and build in 2009 to transform the existing space. A parish hall at Lacon Close, which needed substantial investment, was also sold at the time to help fund the development.
The final service at All Hallows is on Sunday, April 27. The All Hallows church hall is thought currently to be used by various groups including Guides, a Rainbow unit, an exercise class and a mother and toddler's group.
Re-build of Church of Ascension in 2009.
