THE demolition of a former church which poses a 'significant risk' to the public in Port Glasgow's rundown Clune Park could act as a 'catalyst' for the eyesore area's regeneration, according to council officials.

An application has been submitted for listed building consent to knock down the category B church which has been classed as beyond repair and no longer economically viable.

Its condition has deteriorated over decades, while the wider estate - once home to around 400 flats in 45 tenements - fell into disrepair, attracting persistent vandalism incidents, anti-social behaviour and arson attacks.

(Image: NQ)

Together with a general lack of maintenance as ownership passed to private landlords, frequent fires in the area have become a regular problem in recent years, with the adjacent former primary school largely destroyed by a blaze in August 2023.

READ MORE: Historic Inverclyde school to be bulldozed after councillors agree to progress plans

Now, Inverclyde Council is seeking to take down the church having purchased it at auction - with a guide price of £95k - in 2019.

A supporting statement lodged with the plans said: "The ongoing risk to the remaining residents of Clune Park, and the general health and safety concerns associated with derelict buildings, including Clune Park Church, cannot be underestimated.

(Image: Inverclyde Council) (Image: Inverclyde Council)

"Fire spreading to adjoining occupied buildings is a major concern, as a major fire in Clune Park Church would put adjoining residents at very serious risk.

"Dealing with the aftermath of such a fire would result in significant financial cost and further reputational damage to the Clune Park area."

A dangerous building notice was issued late last year and millions would be needed to save the church, with the council stating that the need to fully demolish it is now 'even more pressing'.

(Image: Inverclyde Council) (Image: Inverclyde Council)

The report added: "Whilst Clune Park Church falls into the category of special interest, other factors associated with its location, within an estate experiencing serious social problems, has resulted in retention being very difficult to justify.

"The decay to the envelope is such that major structural elements are failing to the point of collapse, posing significant risk to the public.

"Those inclined to gain unauthorised access to the building are also putting themselves at huge risk of personal injury."

Inspections uncovered 'serious issues' with the church's gothic tower and roof structure and the building is said to present an 'immediate danger to the public' from a potential uncontrolled collapse.

READ MORE: Port Glasgow councillor welcomes new £31m plan for Clune Park eyesore estate

A £31m masterplan has been passed to build new homes and redevelop the site and the council said the removal of the church 'offers the opportunity and catalyst for the development of this housing-led regeneration'.

Highlighting the 'overriding, social, environmental, public safety and economic reasons' in support of its demolition, the council report added: "Sadly, the once thriving and very popular Clune Park estate has developed notoriety throughout Inverclyde and well beyond due to the severe rate of decline and abandonment with many buildings considered completely derelict.

"The ongoing reputational damage to Inverclyde and the negative impact this has on meaningful investment in the area is of serious concern.

"Vandalism, anti-social behaviour, break-ins, along with potentially life-threatening risks associated with the structural collapse of buildings represents an unacceptable situation for Inverclyde Council."