Former church leased to community

The church closed its doors in 2001

It ceased being an official place of worship in 2001, but after years of controversy a compromise has been reached on St Joseph's in Sailortown.

The Catholic church closed the church due to the dwindling population in the Docks area of Belfast.

Parishioners and former residents protested, and a Mass has been held on the steps every Sunday.

The Catholic authorities have now leased the former church to the Sailortown Regeneration Group.

Diocese of Down and Connor spokesman Fr John McManus said a compromise had been reached, which allowed the building to be used by the community.

He added that the lease incorporated a "restrictive covenant" in relation to the celebration of religious services at the site and paid tribute to those who "had worked so diligently to find a use for the building".

Pat Benson of the regeneration group said the former church was at the heart of plans to develop the area and they would begin to look at how best to use the building.

Campaigners who want the former church re-opened for worship gave the news a guarded welcome.

Gerry Gallagher, secretary of the Save St Joseph's group said it was good that it was "being returned to the people of Sailortown for regeneration".

"But, while we welcome its return, we remain committed to continue our struggle to ensure the success of our long-term aim to have worship within its walls," he said.

"We will be meeting with representatives from the Sailortown Regeneration Office within the next few days to outline our case and pursue the way forward."

The Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust said it would work on helping to find a "sustainable outcome for the building" and help raise the funds to make it happen.

Paul Millar, trust chairman, said St Joseph's provided a wonderful opportunity for heritage-led regeneration.

"This is good for not only for the historic Docks area, but for the city of Belfast. The possibility to establish a new urban village that links old and new is now very real," he said.