A volunteer group has welcomed plans to spend £150,000 on essential repairs to Liverpool’s Bombed Out Church.

Repairs to the building, which is officially named St Luke’s Church, were signed off by Liverpool City Council after it agreed to match a £75,000 English Heritage grant from its Buildings at Risk fund.

Ambrose Reynolds, who previously held events at the church under the Urban Strawberry Lunch group, continues to run events five days a week. He says he wants the council to work with his Community Interest Company (CIC) to continue to run events at the venue.

He says: “We’re delighted that essential repair work is being carried out and we’re waiting for the consultation process to begin as to its use. It’s a vital piece of local history and our plans for the church will commemorate the past while celebrating the future of the city.”

The group raised £20,000 last year for maintenance of the church and has attracted names such as Yoko Ono, DJ Gilles Peterson and musicians, The Kooks to the venue. Ambrose says events will continue during repair work and the group has recently installed surround sound, CCTV and internet.

Ambrose estimates a further £250,000 would be needed to repair the church and says the CIC would be able to raise the funds. He adds: “We have the capital to make it a living, breathing venue.”

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