Diocesan News
St Peter's in the Castlegate "on death row"
Jun 20, 2006, 07:32

19 June 2006

Oldest Catholic Church in Aberdeen on death row if car park is demolished

The future of St Peter’s Church in the Castlegate, Aberdeen’s oldest Catholic church and its two hundred strong congregation, seem uncertain as planners sent notification of the proposed demolition of the Timmer Market car park next door.

Parishioners and members of the public rely heavily on the parking facilities at the Timmer Market car park to be able to visit St Peter’s Church in the Castlegate.

Parish Priest Father Keith Herrera has now written to MPs, MSPs and Councillors protesting against the proposed demolition of the car park.

Father Herrera wrote: “This car park is vital for the life of the area as it provides parking for those wishing to use the amenities near by. Its loss would be severe for residents, businesses and other organisations in the area, and particularly for us at St. Peter's Parish Church.

“Parking provision at the moment is already insufficient for the needs of the area. If we loose the car park then the church will be in danger of closing as numbers attending church services will drop drastically, decimating the parish community and consequently reducing the church’s income and ability to pay for essential refurbishment work.

“This will have an obvious effect on the community groups using the hall. It is not practical for all those who come to St. Peter’s to use public transport: we have many elderly and infirm, and also young families with children. Other car parks are either situated too far from the church or are in locations which could be considered dangerous at night for many.” Concluded Father Herrera.

Notes:

1. St Peter’s is the oldest Catholic Church in Aberdeen. It celebrated its 200^th birthday in 2003.It has been described as the “Hidden Gem” of Aberdeen.

2. The following community groups use the car park so as to access the church: Narcotics Anonymous hold 3 meetings/week; Alcoholics Anonymous hold meetings every day, sometimes twice a day; Families Anonymous hold 2 meetings/week; Gamblers Anonymous have 1 meeting/week.