Coordinator wanted to run community hub at refurbished former church

MAGNIFICENT: The refurbished St Matthew’s Church in Anlaby Road

By Angus Young

A Hull housing and regeneration charity has launched a search for a coordinator to run a community enterprise centre based inside a former church.

What used to be St Matthew’s Church in Anlaby Road has been given a stunning £1m makeover by Giroscope to become a new community hub.

The grassroots affordable housing provider aims to operate the landmark Grade II listed building as a workspace for small businesses as well as a venue for events, exhibitions and live music.

‘THE CHURCH IS ROOTED IN THIS COMMUNITY’: Giroscope founder Martin Newman

Now with most of the conversion work complete, the role of a business centre coordinator is being advertised.

Giroscope founder and coordinator Martin Newman admitted the job’s £30-35,000 salary was something of a departure for an organisation which has traditionally operated on a shoestring budget for much of its near 40-year existence.

“There has been a bit of agonising over the salary package but, ultimately, we need someone with the right experience and mindset to make this place a success.

“We have reached the stage where nearly all the construction, the restoration and the paintwork is finished.

“Now it’s time to move to the next phase and give the building a second life as a community enterprise centre.”

After a soft launch with invited guests to mark the latest milestone, Mr Newman said the hub would officially open once the vacancy was filled.

“It’s only fair to let whoever gets appointed take charge from day one,” he added.

Giroscope bought the derelict church in 2017 three years after it closed with the help of a European Regional Development Fund grant.

It now features six small offices and a large meeting room on a new mezzanine floor and a new kitchen.

The facelift has also included the installation of a new floor complete with underfloor heating system, rooftop solar panels and the restoration of the church’s distinctive First World War Memorial stained glass window.

Originally installed in 1922 to commemorate men from the local community who fought and died in the war, it will eventually be flanked by two memorial stones listing their names.

Mr Newman said: “There are 138 names on the memorials, many of whom were lost at sea. They really show how much the church has always been rooted in this community.

“During the build we’ve had lots of people coming in and telling us they got married here, attended funerals here or sang in the choir here.

“We want to make sure the community continues coming into the building, whether it’s to work or to enjoy themselves.”