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Spa row church opens up to public
THE Mayfair church caught in a battle between a beauty magnate who wants to turn it into a health spa and neighbours who are fighting the plans is set to open to the public for what could be the last time.
St Marks’s Church in North Audley Street could soon be a luxury spa unless campaigners can persuade planning chiefs to reject proposals at a crunch meeting expected to take place next month.
The Grade I-listed building, ranked fifth most at risk by English Heritage, will be opened up at the weekend as part of Open House, a two-day festival to showcase the finest architecture in the capital.
Bolstered by a host of A-list celebrities and high-powered backers, the Save St Mark’s Action Group is gearing up its campaign to save the church as its fate hangs in the balance.
The congregation that have looked after the church for the past 14 years and have been given their eviction notice by the Diocese of London will be hosting the open day.
Holby City actor Ray Emmet Brown, who lives in Mayfair and worships at St Mark’s, where he was married in 2005, said: “The church is a massive benefit for this community.
“We are a strange community, living in the heart of commercial London, so anything that’s aimed at bringing people together without looking for financial reward is a good thing.”
He added: “I don’t know why this area needs another spa or leisure centre in place of something that will help keep community spirit alive.”
The church will be open between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm. |
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