New life brought to historic former priest's residence

A HISTORIC former priest’s residence is to be brought back to life by a community project after lying empty for 15 years.

- By TONY HENDERSON

Interior of St Michael's Church, Elswick

The Grade II* listed presbytery attached to St Michael's Church in Elswick in Newcastle was built between 1889 and 1891.

Since its closure, the three-storey presbytery has deteriorated significantly, with water damage and structural issues.

The building has been on the Heritage at Risk Register since 2015.

Community involvement will form the backbone of redevelopment plans, ensuring local needs and ambition drive design concepts for the building’s reuse.

Today, from 3-5pm, there will be a community event at St Michael's Church where local residents can learn about the project and contribute ideas for the presbytery’s transformation.