DESPITE once being the community’s central point, Ulverston's former Holy Trinity Church went through a series of ups and downs involving construction, planning and questions around its future after years of decay.
In 1996, it was reported that years of neglect suffered by the former church had failed to deter would-be buyers.
SHOW: John Asplin at the Ulverston Church in 1996
The landmark Victorian church, which was laid empty since 1987, was up for sale by auction, with a guiding price of just £7000 to £10,000.
After details were revealed exclusively, Preston auctioneers Roy Pugh and Co received almost a dozen inquiries.
Six people had taken the chance to look round the building, which closed as a church in 1977 and was then converted into a health club and gymnasium.
WORK: Jim Collins pictured carefully working on the windows of the church in 1997
The church, which was later sold to property developer Willall Homes, had received planning consent for 22 flats but they subsequently went into receivership.
In 1997, Ulverston town councillors were left scratching their heads when they were asked for their views on the changes planned for the re-development of the former Holy Trinity Church.
The conversion was being undertaken by a private developer to provide housing accommodation, for which tenants would be nominated by South Lakeland Council.
CONVERT: John Asplin pictured outside the church he would later convert
The plans presented to the town council contained a number of alterations to existing details which had already been approved by district councillors.
Members felt the changes to the drawings, involving modifications to windows and staircases, together with other internal alterations, appeared too complex.
Cllr Stan Lewis said: “I would like to see the original plans so we can compare them to this.”
CHANGING: Work men beginning the construction of the church in 1997
Later that year it was reported that work on the Ulverston church was nearing completion and that resident would soon be allowed to move in the following year.
Peregrine Properties Ltd, a development company, headed by Grange businessman John Asplin had spent nine months working on the building which would soon be ready to take on a new lease of life.
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