Jordan North's 'rocking church' sold to a security firm

Sector Security Services are to make the iconic building their new headquarters after outgrowing their current home in Blackpool Road.

The company, set up 25 years ago, says it plans to retain and enhance as many of the original features of the Grade II Listed St Paul's Church as possible in a major refurbishment.

The landmark structure, built 200 years ago, was put up for sale after Rock FM moved out last January, relocating its presenters to Manchester and its sales team to an office in Preston.

Known as the "rocking church" by former DJs including Radio 1 and I'm a Celebrity star Jordan North, the building was snapped up by Sector Security last month. The firm has already submitted plans to the city council to convert it into offices.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to acquire a landmark building in Preston which will allow us to grow as a business and expand our range of on site and remote security and training services as well as give a new life to a well known and historically important building in the city centre of Preston," said Terry Griffin, the firm's HR and compliance director.

"We intend to retain and enhance as many of the original features as possible whilst upgrading the accommodation internally to make it fit for our business needs in the future”

Richard Wharton of JLL, who handled the disposal on behalf of the previous owners Bauer Media, added: “As a Prestonian myself this was a fascinating instruction to ensure the building’s future as its’ former use as a radio station was no longer viable.

"Additionally it was important that the church was re-occupied as soon as possible to avoid deterioration given its age and listed status.

"Sector Security were able to move quickly despite the current Covid situation and have already submitted plans to convert the building into headquarter offices for their business”

The company, which provides security for a wide range of local, regional and national clients, also has offices in Manchester and Leeds