The Church of Scotland has transferred ownership of Aberdeen’s West Kirk - within the Kirk of St Nicholas in the heart of the city - to arts charity Edinburgh Palette.
Work is underway by the new owners to “forge pragmatic and progressive links” to uphold the Kirk’s long-standing traditions, making it a hub for the community and creativity, with events and opportunities aimed at attracting people to Aberdeen.
This new future demonstrates how historic sites can help breathe new life in town and city centres. Louise Norris, Commercial Property Partner, was part of the team which advised Edinburgh Palette, which is currently rebranding to Scot-ART, on the purchase.
She believes sensitive repurposing of the “Mither Kirk”, which dates back to the 1500s, will show other communities what can be achieved from working to realise the potential historic buildings which could otherwise stand empty.
Louise says: “Edinburgh Palette has a tremendous track record for breathing new life into buildings and opening them up to the community. Their work at West Kirk will make a really positive mark on the community.
“Making organisations such as theirs the custodians of sites such as this opens real opportunities as enterprise, community and political leaders seek a blueprint for creating our town and city centres of the future. There are organisations across Scotland who will watch what happens here with real interest.
“Ensuring places like this become attractions in themselves, not only ensuring the building does not fall into disrepair, but opening opportunities for activities, events and drawing in more people to support local businesses. Everyone can win.”
The A-listed building ceased to be a regular place of worship following the dissolution of the former Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting Congregation.
Under the new arrangements, the Presbytery of the North East and Northern Isles of the Church of Scotland will occasionally be able to use the building, along with the Oil and Gas Chaplaincy, Aberdeen City Council and Robert Gordon College, for services, events and performances.
Louise believes the kirk, which features a magnificent stained-glass window on its north elevation, holds considerable potential.
She adds: “It’s a beautiful building. Nobody wanted to see it stand empty. Repurposing it and opening it up to the community once again will, I am sure, play a part in the regeneration of Aberdeen city centre. Hopefully it can be a catalyst for more positive change.
“There are significant opportunities for the owners of empty town and city centre buildings across Scotland to think outside of the box, doing something different and working with arts and community organisations like Edinburgh Palette to create a new purpose for them.”
The Church of Scotland says it is “confident that this transfer represents a new chapter and a secure future for the Kirk of St Nicholas”.
Iain Sneddon, Chief Operating Officer at Edinburgh Palette, said: "The Kirk of St Nicholas with its remarkable architecture and historical significance, serves as the perfect canvas for Edinburgh Palette's innovative approach to rejuvenating buildings and supporting a second lease of life.
"Combining this historical destination with the creative arts industry, education, training and charitable services, there is an opportunity to create a truly unique, versatile and vibrant setting unlike any other in Scotland, attracting people from and to the city.”
Louise Norris is a Partner in our Commercial Property team
Published 2 September 2024, also featured in Aberdeen Business News on 30 August.
