A church roof which collapsed devastating the historic Manchester landmark is a ‘ticking time bomb’ that cannot be repaired, according to a historian.
Former-Manchester College of Building student, Harold Cunliffe first feared Middleton‘s 191-year old Providence United Reform Church was in jeopardy last year after the back of the roof collapsed in July 2012 when engulfed by a fire.
The historian told MM that the roof trusses were too dry and rot would soon undermine the joints calling it a ‘ticking time bomb’.
Mr Cunliffe was vindicated when the rest of the roof fell into the back of the church on the grade-II listed building at the beginning of this month.
He said: “Once water enters the building sooner or later it will damage the whole building. I now feel that this building is lost forever.
“I was fully expecting this building to fall after witnessing the timbers decaying and becoming overstressed with the weight of the roof slates. It was not a shock.”
Mark Robinson, Head of Planning at Rochdale Borough Council, said the council has consulted with the owner and will conduct a survey to assess the costs and viability of the church’s long-term future.
“We have spoken to the owner of Providence United Reformed Church and are in the process of arranging a building condition survey,” he said.
“The survey will confirm the likely costs of repairing and restoring the building.
“Once we have this information we can make an informed decision on the building’s future.”
Jennifer Hollamby, spokeswoman for Rochdale Council, said: “The building is privately owned. The council only has the power to submit an urgent works repair notice to compel the owner to carry out any urgent repairs.”
Image courtesy of Rochdale Council, with thanks.
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