As exclusively insinuated by the Spurtle back in April (Breaking news, 7.4.14; 7.5.14), the purchaser of St Stephen’s Church is Leslie Benzies, president of the video-game producer Rockstar North.
Philip Johnston, spokesperson and consultant for Benzies, today issued the following statement:
Mr Benzies has lived in the area for over ten years and recognised the building’s importance to the community. This is an entirely philanthropic purchase, which will preserve the building for years to come and we are delighted to have concluded a deal that will ensure the long-term viability of the property as a community centre that benefits all.
A charitable trust has been created by Mr Benzies to manage the community centre and its Board of Trustees will include representatives of the local community.
Stockbridge is a busy residential area with a relatively small number of community venues. The preservation of St Stephen’s Church as a community centre meets a pressing need as well as protecting an important historical building, which is significant as it was designed by architect William Henry Playfair and has been hailed as one of the most important Georgian buildings in the area. We are delighted that we can help bring the Church back to its former glory, securing its future whilst providing a renovated local and performing arts centre that will benefit the wider community.
My client looks forward to completing the sale imminently to secure the plans for the Church’s ongoing use. We will engage with the community as the plans progress and look forward to welcoming local residents and groups back to the Centre in the very near future.
Aberdeen-born Benzies joined DMA (now Rockstar North) in 1999 and led work on developing the Nintendo 64 platform game Space Station Silicon Valley. He then went on to assemble a team to work on the Grand Theft Auto series of video games. In 2005 he was presented with a BAFTA Special Award for his outstanding contribution to the games industry.
Currently in Los Angeles, the 'intensely private' Benzies will reveal more detailed plans for St Stephen's – including the date of the Centre's reopening – in the coming weeks. We will report details as soon as we have them.