A historic Norwich church that closed less than a year ago has been saved and will continue to serve the community as a place of Christian worship.

Trinity United Reformed Church on Unthank Road closed its doors in September 2024 due to a declining congregation and the retirement of its minister.

The building has now been purchased by the Catholic Diocese of East Anglia, which plans to use it for worship, ministry and community outreach through the nearby St John’s Catholic Cathedral.

In a statement, the diocese said the church will become a base for the local Syro-Malabar Catholic community, part of the global Catholic Church with roots in South India.

The site will also provide clergy accommodation, diocesan archives, meeting rooms and teaching spaces.

Built in 1956 by acclaimed architect Sir Bernard Feilden, the Grade II listed church is recognised for its unique post-war design.

Its continued use as a place of worship comes at a time when many churches across the UK are closing. More than 3,500 churches of various denominations have shut in the last decade, according to the National Churches Trust, with many sold, demolished or converted into housing.

Rev Lythan Nevard, Moderator of the URC Eastern Synod, previously said: “The worshipping life of Trinity URC may be coming to an end, but the worship of God and the building of God’s kingdom continues.”

Renovations will be overseen by cathedral architect Nicholas Warns, with plans to fully integrate the building into the wider St John’s Cathedral site.