PLANS are progressing for the demolition of St Paul’s Church in Truro, following the revelation that the only solution to structural problems would be to rebuild the Grade II listed tower and east end from scratch with new stone.

A public meeting will be held at the Old Cathedral School on Thursday, November 7, from 3.30pm to 7pm, with representatives from the Church Commissioners in attendance to hear views and answer questions.

Meanwhile, scaffolding is in place to allow inspection of the stonework, which is believed to be deteriorating quickly, and to keep the road and footpath safe from falling stone.

St Paul’s Church was built in 1845 and noted for its Gothic Revival stained glass scheme. But it closed to worshippers in 2008 following a damning quinquennial review that revealed two challenging structural issues: subsidence, probably related to damage from a Second World War bomb that fell nearby; and crumbling stonework, posing a risk to those using the building.

Solving the subsidence problems has been described as “technically possible but very expensive”. The building also needs a new roof, heating and electrics, costing upwards of £1-million.

Over the years, the Diocese of Truro and the Church of England have explored options that might give the building a new lease of life., with interest from several groups and individuals. But each time, closer examination of the structural problems rendered proposals unviable – even if the building were sold for a token amount. 

It has been revealed that the diocese even considered a proposal to dismantle the church piece by piece and rebuild it elsewhere. However, the Cornish Polyphant stone used to build it is now fracturing, and the only remedy would be to demolish and rebuild the tower and east end with new stone.

Diocesan secretary Simon Cade said: “The diocese and the national church are sorry that such a well-loved and beautiful building has now coming to the end of its life. 

“A last-minute buyer with very deep pockets would be faced with the reality of the crumbling stonework and the need to protect passers-by. Even this option would likely have to include the demolition of most of the building.

“We are grateful to our neighbours on Agar Road who have been patient, but while we have been trying to find solutions for the building it has become more dangerous and is now attracting unwanted visitors – from pigeons and children playing to squatters and vandals.”

The Church Commissioners will review comments and correspondence during the notice period before reaching their final decision.

In 2022, the Cornish Buildings Group strongly objected to the demolition of this “highly accomplished, richly ornamented” grade 2 listed church, arguing that “a new use should be sought for such a significant heritage asset within a conservation area”. A petition on 38Degrees amassed more than 2,700 signatures.

Group chairman Patrick Newberry described St Paul’s as “very important Victorian church by nationally noted architects”, and said he was “disappointed” with the latest development.

“We have been following this story for a number of years, and while no one disputes that this is a church with a significant problem, it seems a very bad solution to demolish it,” he said.

“It’s a very important building for Truro. Imagine driving down Tregolls Road and not seeing St Paul’s church, just a modern office block on the left and a garage on the right.”

Mr Newberry suggested the building “might not have decayed as much as it has,” had it been better cared for since closure in 2008. He added: “I would examine whether it might be feasible to replace the stone. If not, perhaps you could take down the top stages of the tower to reduce the risk, or remove it altogether and keep the church – a very fine building by itself – to be repurposed as, say, a drop-in centre or concert hall.”

The church falls within the city council ward of Moresk and Trevhaverne. Cllr Bert Biscoe said: “The Church Commissioners were absolutely right to close the church when they did. They have tried their level best with St Paul’s, but I don’t think there’s a surveyor in their right mind that would take on a building where the biggest bit is its biggest liability.

“But it was a great loss to the community on this side of town. I think whoever owns it should take down the tower but keep the rest because it means a lot to people. So many were baptised, wedded or had funerals there, and it was the church out of which grew Archbishop Benson primary school.

“That part of the building has a future and should play an important part in community life. The tower plays a significant role in terms of what you see, so in its place, why not build something so special, it has to be listed before it’s built.”