The Church of Scientology is to create a 40,000 sq ft religious centre in Devonport, Plymouth, following its purchase of the landmark Royal Fleet Club Hotel.
The church bought the 110-year old hotel from Midlands-based businessman Kailash Suri, and will submit plans to convert it into a church and information centre.
Its current Plymouth place of worship, in the city’s Ebrington Street, only provides around 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft.
The new facility will be used by about 150 volunteers and paid staff.
Ifan Rhys-Jones, an associate at King Sturge’s Plymouth office, which advised the church, said: “It has been quite hard to find a big enough building in Plymouth. My remit was to find something of around 50,000 sq ft which would be suitable for educational use and public assembly.”
patrick.clift@estatesgazette.com
