There are two organisations fighting to secure the future of St Luke’s bombed out Church with both being based in Liverpool according to reports in the ECHO.
Liverpool City council have confirmed they are currently considering two separate proposals for the landmark following a public consultation that was held last year to assess what the public would like to see the building used as.
The announcement comes following rumours circulating online that the successful firm was based in Manchester.
A Facebook post from Love Activists Liverpool incorrectly claimed that Urban Strawberry Lunch – an arts organisation founded by Ambrose Reynold – had lost out on the lease to a Manchester-based firm.
The post read: “Strawberry Lunch have officially lost out to a Manchester company in their bid for a lease on The Bombed Out Church.
“What are they going to do with it to make a profit? F*** Liverpool City Council.”
However reports today claim that a “council insider” confirmed that both companies being considered are based in Liverpool.
Liverpool council received over 6,000 responses as part of a public consultation on the future of the Bold Street land mark following a promise from Mayor Joe Anderson to keep it in public ownership and secure a viable future for the building.
A council spokesperson said: “St Luke’s is a very special place and the City Council is committed to securing a future for it that is both financially sustainable and in line with the wishes of the community.
“The City Council has shortlisted two strong proposals – both of which responded well to the detailed criteria that was informed by the outcome of public consultation held last autumn.
“There are now ongoing discussions with both shortlisted parties in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the future of St Luke’s.
“Once these discussions have concluded and an agreement has been reached, a recommendation will go to the Cabinet for a decision to be made.”