Work started in High Street

The unsightly row of units between High Street Methodist Church and Watson and Neill solicitors was recently demolished, paving the way for a new building which will house a book shop, coffee shop and outreach centre.

Methodist Minister, Rev Maurice Laverty explained: “They started work at the beginning of September. They started from the back up, so most people mightn’t have noticed until they saw Castle’s building boarded up at the front.”

Speaking to the ‘MAIL’ on Monday, he said: “The demolition work is finished. The next stage is clearing the rubble away, it could take another week at least as there’s a lot of it.

“Once the rubble is cleared away, the foundations can be started. Because it’s a sloping site, there’s an enormous amount of concrete needed.”

Rev Laverty said phase one of the scheme would see new units built on High Street for a book shop, coffee shop and outreach centre on the first floor.

Phase two will be the refurbishment of the church which will incorporate the old bookshop.

The third phase is sheltered accommodation at the back of the site, though Rev Laverty said this was a long way off.

All being well, the first phase should be completed by July.