April 26 2021

A decaying church in the Craigie area of Dundee is scheduled for demolition to free up the 0.28ha wedge-shaped site for potential redevelopment.

Occupying the junction between Craigie Road and Greendykes Road with views over the Tay Estuary the work will see Craigiebank Church cleared at the behest of The Church of Scotland, which lacks the resources to maintain proper upkeep of the building.

Outlining the need for action Brian Waller, head of policy and legislation for Church Of Scotland General Trustees, wrote: "The trustees feel strongly that better use could be made of the building, in particular the ground in which it is sited. The trustees have a fiduciary duty to explore the best value in such circumstances and in this case, it is clear that better use can be made of the site without the building.

"This would also result in the congregation being relieved of the burden of maintaining such a 'difficult' building, allowing a focus on mission without the distraction and worry of the cost of looking after a troublesome building."

In an accompanying demolition statement architect Michael O'Donnel added: "One of the key objectives is to create a completely open site which can then be redeveloped and landscaped sympathetically reflecting the site's naturally prominent nature."

The Category B listed Romanesque style church was designed by Frank Thomson and completed in 1937 but suffers from 'significant' structural defects and severe water ingress which have given rise to major issues with damp and rot. 

2 Comments

#1 Posted by dave on 28 Apr 2021 at 09:21 AM

Disappointing to see the ease at which a B-listed building that is "troublesome" can be obliterated. Total lack of imagination from the architect and owner. "The Trustees feel strongly that better use could be. made..of the site" read - all that matters to us is the money. Waste of an interesting building for commercial gain. CoS have a huge estate portfolio and need to be thinking more proactively to reuse their redundant buildings, rather than setting precedent by demolishing them.

#2 Posted by Mr I M Outraged of Fife on 28 Apr 2021 at 14:00 PM

Yeah these dam B-listed churches are a real problem, hanging about our streets causing trouble, bringing down the tone of the neighbourhood. Good to see someone finally taking them to task

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