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Church unveils plans to turn closed Northfield and Summerhill parishes into new Aberdeen homes

Northfield and Summerhill churches in Aberdeen could soon be turned into homes under plans put forward by the Church of Scotland.
Northfield and Summerhill churches could soon be turned into homes. Supplied by Clarke Cooper, design team

The Church of Scotland has unveiled plans to turn abandoned Aberdeen parishes into homes.

The Kirk wants to demolish Northfield Parish Church to make way for 16 flats.

Plans have also been formed knock down Summerhill Parish Church, and build 14 homes in its place.

The move follows the amalgamation of the Northfield, Mastrick and Summerhill
congregations at the start of last year.

The newly christened Aberdeen North Parish Church of Scotland now meet at Mastrick, leaving the other two buildings empty.

Summerhill Church is a distinctive sight on Stronsay Drive.

Northfield and Summerhill churches could become combined 30 homes

Both sites date back to the mid-20th Century.

And the Kirk has been in talks with the council about the changes since January.

Radical proposals have now been submitted by Reverend Ian Murray, the building officer for the Presbytery of the North East and Northern Isles.

On his behalf, consultants Aurora say the Northfield proposal will create “much-needed affordable housing”.

On Sunday we were given the opportunity to have our Easter Service as our last Service at Northfield Parsh Church….

Posted by Northfield Parish Church on Thursday, 8 April 2021

Flattening the Byron Crescent church and manse buildings could make space for a “high-quality development” of 16 homes each with a private garden.

The Church of Scotland intends to work with a registered social landlord to make sure the properties meet the needs of the community.

This image submitted by Aurora offers an idea of how the 16 homes would be arranged.

Do you back the changes? Let us know in our comments section


The Northfield complex would have eight one-bedroom apartments at ground level, with eight three-bedroom units above.

Aurora says this takes into account the “specific housing need” there, with elderly people potentially making use of the one-bedroom options.

This illustrates how each private garden would correspond to each home.

How does Summerhill scheme differ?

Summerhill Parish would be flattened to make way for a mix of 14 new homes.

These would each come with a private garden, while also enjoying communal “amenity space”.

The 14 homes on Stronsay Drive could be laid out like this.

Unlike the other development, there is no mention of these being affordable units let by a social landlord.

Last year we revealed how cash from the vacated churches could be pumped into creating a “purpose-built” venue for the amalgamated Mastrick congregation.

You can see the Northfield church plans here and the Summerhill homes plans here.

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