Civic watchdog’s misgivings over £4.5m plans to transform historic church

Churchleaders say the proposals will revitalise Grade One listed Holy Trinity Church, allowing it to become a key cultural and tourism venue.

But Hull Civic Society say plans, which include repaving the churchyard which was in use over four centuries until the late 18th century, taking down most of the churchyard wall and felling 10 trees, including a towering black poplar, sweep away “so much history.” Acting chairman John Scotney said they hadn’t yet decided a response, but it was likely to be “veering towards the uncomplimentary.” He said: “To me replacing an ancient churchyard with bland paving is not an improvement. They already have lots of events and I am in favour of the church being used more, but to actually remove the boundary wall and gravestones and the trees seems going rather too far.”

The £4.5m plans, now submitted to Hull Council, include a glass-walled cafe and extension, with seating outside and fountains. Cracked gravestones pushed up by tree roots will be removed and replaced with sandstone, while removing the wall aims to make the church and Trinity Square a seamless space. The Victorian interior full of pews will be stripped out to form a space for banquets, concerts and cultural events as well services.

The church has also made no secret of its struggles to pay the bills and the new cafe as well as shop should bring in much-needed revenue. The Rev Canon Neal Barnes said: “We simply have to have modern fit-for-purpose facilities to provide varied and accessible forms of worship and also the flexibility and space to welcome the community to Holy Trinity for all manner of events.”