A Grade II-listed church in Cornwall is to be demolished after being deemed unsafe, the Church Commissioners have confirmed.

St Paul’s in Truro has been closed since 2008 over fears its 115-year-old tower was “unsound”, with stonework on the east side badly decayed, as reported by the BBC.

At a hearing earlier this month, the Diocese of Truro said it had “exhausted all possibilities” of finding a new use for the Victorian building. Diocesan secretary Simon Cade admitted: “We are sorry that such a well-loved and beautiful building has now come to the end of its life.”

Some had suggested alternatives for the building like a café, climbing walls in the tower, and a space to host workshops. 

The Victorian Society said it was “disappointed” partial demolition and restoration had not been considered.

The diocese said it hopes to consult with residents about the future use of the site, with options including almshouses and affordable housing.