ONE of Greenock’s best-loved church buildings has been upgraded by historical experts because of its national importance.

The Old West Kirk, now known as Lyle Kirk Esplanade, has been re-designated by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) from ‘B’ to ‘A’ listed status, following a local campaign.

Councillor Ciano Rebecchi was part of a group of church members and others who wanted to ensure as much as possible was done to preserve the building, which is a distinctive feature on the Esplanade and a popular visiting place for tourists coming off cruise liners.

It also has a unique past, having survived despite being moved virtually unaltered from the site of its original construction elsewhere in the town.

Cllr Rebecchi said: “This is an important step towards preserving this important building.

“Too often, we don’t seem to appreciate our history, so this is good news for the area by making it more difficult if anyone at any stage wanted to redevelop it into houses, for example.

“This makes it less likely that re-development could happen.”

HES say the church has a very unusual and interesting history.

A spokesperson said: “The request to review the designation of Old West Kirk came from a member of the public.

“It was originally listed in the 1970s. Since then we’ve learned more about the special interest of the architecture and the decorative stained glass in the church.

“Old West Kirk is a notable 19th century church which contains an outstanding collection of stained glass windows by major 19th and 20th century artists, including the renowned William Morris and Co.

“The church has been given a Category A listing in recognition of its national importance.”

The church was completed in its present location and form in 1928 under the supervision of James Miller.

But the overall design was the work of James Salmon Senior, and the majority of its fabric dates to 1864.

HES said: “The survival and intactness of the outstanding collection of windows, as well as the good quality carved timberwork in the interior, is all the more remarkable because the building has been moved.”

The move occurred because Harland and Wolff shipyard wanted to expand into the land occupied by the church, near the current Tesco site.

The shipyard gave the church the site at the corner of Campbell Street and the Esplanade, and paid for dismantling and re-building.

HES said: “Where possible, the old stones, windows, mural tablets, internal woodwork except roofing and ecclesiastical fittings were re-used. The church followed the same plan and overall design as the previous church, but with a new tower design and more windows.

“The church hall was built in 1925 by Harland and Wolff to provide the congregation with a space to worship, while waiting for the new church to be built. It was named the Pirrie Hall, after the late Lord Pirrie, who was chairman of Harland and Wolff.

“The history of the building of Old West Kirk and, in particular, its re-location stone by stone, is very unusual. Its cruciform plan form, and the design of the interior with carved timberwork, dates to the mid 19th century."