A POPULAR Hoylake church could soon be redeveloped after the building goes up for auction next month.

The Presbyterian Church in Alderley Road will be auctioned on March 31, with a guide price of £250,000.

Listed on Rightmove, the church – next to Sainsbury’s – is described as a landmark building in the centre of Hoylake, with the potential to be converted to residential properties or redeveloped entirely.

The property comprises of a large main chapel with mezzanine galleries, rear hall with ancillary rooms over two floors, kitchen, office and toilet facilities together with a forecourt to the front.

Marketed by Venmore Auctions, the property is said to provide “a substantial amount of accommodation that would lend itself to either a continuation of some form of D1 use or alternatively and most probably residential conversion or redevelopment subject to the relevant planning permissions”.

Jackie Hall, a well-known Hoylake campaigner awarded the MBE in 2011 New Year's Honours, described the church's closure as a sad day for the town.

She told the Globe: "Unfortunately it's the lack of congregation, it's a sign of the times.

"They have joined up with other churches now, one in Moreton and one in Willaston I believe and I think it has been decided that this one is surplus to requirements.

"It's all very sad, it's part of Hoylake disappearing. Let's hope another church buys it.

"I would hate to think it would be knocked down."

Jackie added: "It's a sad day for Hoylake but it's inevitable - we have a lot of churches.

The last service takes place on February 28. The Presbyterian Church will be auctioned at Liverpool Town Hall on Tuesday, March 31.

Do you have fond memories of the church? Did you get married there? Did you have your children Christened there? Get in touch with senior reporter Emma Rigby by calling 0151 649 4018, emailing emma.rigby@newsquest.co.uk or leaving a comment below.