Colchester New Church in Maldon Road has now been sold

The historic New Church, in Maldon Road, Colchester, is officially off the market after being put up for sale with property firm Stanfords.

In March 2023, the Gazette reported that religious leaders at the church had seen their proposal to demolish the building to make way for three homes rejected.

The reason behind the proposal was the declining number of people attending the church and some members chosing to worship through video conferences online.

Church - Colchester New Church (Image: Newsquest)

The planning application said there were few social events held in the church due to its small membership and lack of volunteers.

The planning proposal was turned down by Colchester Council planning committee which said the loss of an asset which provides a space for activities would be a blow for the community.

New Church opened in August 1924.

Many trustees serving on the executive committee are aged in their 70s.

According to Rightmove, the site was looking for offers in excess of £495,000.

Signage - the Stanford sign in Maldon Road (Image: Newsquest)

The detached 2,700 sq ft building is on a plot of almost half an acre.

Stanfords has now taken the church off Rightmove.

The 'For sale' sign outside the building now says 'Sold subject to contract'.

New Town and Christ Church ward councillor Sam McLean was proud of the community asset and shared his reaction to the church being sold.

2023 - an image of Councillor Sam McLean outside the church (Image: Sam Mclean)

He said: "The New Church is an asset there for community use and I think it should remain so.

"I am against developing the church into poor quality housing.

"It depends if the buyers will respect the community they have bought in to.

"I think throughout our lives we've all seen monstrous developments that have harmed communities, harming the spirit and the aesthetics."