A FORMER Saddleworth church, recently known as a bridal shop, could become a spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, if planning permission is granted.
Luke Rafferty has applied to Oldham Council to alter what was last The Aisle Edit at St Paul’s, on Huddersfield Road in Scouthead.
And among the biggest changes will be an outdoor pool with an indoor facility inside.
The building would also house treatment rooms and spaces, while its second floor will be a restaurant, with a private dining area and bar on the level below.
Planning documents indicate there will be space for 62 covers and a dumb waiter will connect the kitchen to the prep kitchen on the floor below.
There would be a 23-space car park and larger roof lights will also replace the existing lights on the south roof place to, ‘maximise the incredible views.’
But the inclusion of the outdoor pool in Scouthead – an area not exactly sheltered from the elements – has raised most eyebrows.
Document supporting the application state: “The proposal therefore requires very little external alteration, meaning the scheme will have no detrimental impact.
“The pool walls will be faced with stone to match the existing church walls.
“The proposed works will not adversely affect the external appearance or fabric of the existing building.
“As most of the proposed works are internal, the proposal will not impact the heritage value of the building.
“The strict requirements of building regulations for commercial property will ensure a robust upgrade of the existing building fabric. This, coupled with efficient use of redundant floorspace, will ensure longevity for the building both physically and commercially – keeping a valuable heritage asset in use and accessible to the public.
“Finally, the works will create employment for local people during construction and maintain employment of many `local people when operational.”
A separate application has also been submitted to add ‘halo-illuminated brass/copper letter signage’ to the parapet, with images suggesting it could be titled The Cotton.
St Paul’s was first built in 1849 and received a multi-million pound renovation in the years following its closure as a place of worship in 2004.
The imposing building re-opened and re-branded as Talking Point Conference and Exhibition Centre in 2008.
Originally built at a cost of £4,500, it was consecrated on July 18, 1889 with Reverend Charles Frederick Ockford as St Paul’s first vicar.
When it was finally made redundant 115 years later, repair costs were estimated at about £250,000, potentially climbing to £1 million.
A dwindling congregation also contributed to its closure.
The Aisle Edit left at the end of January, with owner Charlotte Mills moving to new, larger premises.
And she admitted the call to close took plenty of thinking.
She said at the time: “This decision comes as Charlotte Mills Ltd continues to grow and requires additional space to support its exciting development.
“At the same time, the needs of The Aisle Edit have evolved significantly since we first opened our doors and we’re ready to embark on the next chapter of our journey.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision, as we are so incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved in our beautiful, historic location.
“From welcoming over 2,000 brides to creating a hub for independent bridal businesses, our time here has been truly special.”
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