A look inside former Methodist Church on Lowther Street, Whitehaven

The former Methodist Church on Lowther Street in Whitehaven was sold at auction for £70,000 in September – with planning permission for it to be turned into a luxury home.

The stained glass windows date back to 1928 and are still in good condition (Image: Submitted)

The ambitious plans for the prominent town centre building include a swimming pool, games area, sauna and gym.

It is understood that works have been underway to clean the interior of the church building, following a significant water leak in the ground floor ceiling.

The Gothic style church was built to seat 800 people and opened in 1878. It was still a vibrant place of worship 100 years later, but by 1996 a dwindling congregation and the need for expensive repairs led to the decision to close the church.

The landmark building has been empty and disused since 1996 but secured planning permission from Cumberland Council in July for conversion to a single luxury home.

It previously had planning permission to be turned into a piano bar and nightclub in 2004 which at the time proved controversial.