Loftus church to become business and cultural space under high street regeneration plans

A historic church in Loftus has been acquired by the local council as part of plans to revamp the town’s high street.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council have completed the purchase of the Congregational Church for a five-figure sum.

Built in 1906, the former Loftus United Reformed Church closed its doors in the 1990s and been vacant ever since.

The council plans to transform the building into a business and cultural event space, as part of its wider plan to revitalise the town with support from the government’s £1bn Future High Streets Fund.

Cllr Wayne Davies, cabinet member for economic development at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, commented: “Loftus High Street is at the heart of the local community and our vision is to transform the area into a modern market town to offer new opportunities for residents and visitors.

“We want to bring the church building back into use to support the local economy. We aim to renovate it to improve its appearance and turn it into a vibrant space where people want to go and spend their time.

“This is another real positive step demonstrating our commitment to Loftus and East Cleveland. We want to make sure people come and visit and stay here, we want to create jobs for local people, and for our businesses to thrive.”