By VIVIENNE NICOLL

A FORMER West End church is for sale with plans to convert it into upmarket flats.

Lilybank Church in Great George Street, which was originally known as Belmont Church, was designed by Glasgow architect James Miller who was also responsible for the travel centre in St Enoch Square, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the facade of the Turnberry Hotel in Ayrshire and Peebles Hydro.

The Hillhead church, which he built in 1894, has soaring stained glass windows and until recently was used as the assembly hall for Hutcheson’s Grammar School.

It was sold in 2007 but plans to develop it into a commercial operation were scrapped because of the downturn in the economy.

The Grade B listed building is now on the market with the aim of converting it into 21 flats plus three new build flats.

In recent years, the condition of the church has deteriorated and the selling agents say it is in need of grading and refurbishment but still retains notable design features including stained glass windows and ornate wood carvings and stonework.

In 2010, when plans were first drawn up to convert it to flats, a spokesman for DM Hall said: “This is a beautiful church in one of the most interesting locations in the city.

“James Miller was a master architect and extremely thoughtful in matters of design and detail.

“The property retains some wonderful features, including dramatic stained glass windows, carved stonework and ornate wood carvings.

“The building’s classical cross shape with its nave and chancel will lend itself to a remarkable and exciting conversion which will be greatly sought after.

“Situated within Glasgow’s West Outstanding Conservation Area, the church will have very valuable private car spaces.

“While the surrounding area is predominantly residential in nature and benefits from generous strands of mature trees, the flats within Lilybank Church will be within a minute’s walk of excellent transport links on Byres Road and Hillhead underground station.”