WORK has started on giving an iconic Hessle Road building a much-needed facelift.
The distinctive City Temple chapel, now renamed Hessle Rose House, has been empty for almost 30 years.
Two years ago, owners Hessle Rose House Ltd in Essex revealed plans to use the building to house charity facilities and a café.
But little has happened since and the owners received a blow earlier this year when plans to demolish the Sunday school at the back of the building were refused.
But, thanks to the Townscape Heritage Initiative, external improvements are being made.
Hilary Byers, a consultant with Hull's Heritage Conservation, said: "We are repairing the outside of the building, carrying out brickwork, repairing the gutters, doing some pointing, refurbishing the windows and putting in new railings.
"The work should be completed by the end of this month."
Mrs Byers admits the work is long overdue.
She said: "It has taken a long time to get to this stage. The owners are still looking for a use for the building.
"We need to make sure it is in both a stable and acceptable condition."
The work on Hessle Rose House represents the end of Townscape Heritage Initiative in the Hessle Road area.
Work as part of the scheme included the refurbishment of Western Library and carrying out a facelift on properties in Coltman Street and the Boulevard.
Mrs Byers said: "It is one of the main buildings we wanted to carry out work on.
"It is a major part of the scheme and, once it's finished, it will be the end of the scheme.
"We have been looking at enhancing the architectural details and repairing building that are semi-derelict.
"It has also been about bringing houses back into use and making others more authentic.
"We are very pleased with what the scheme has achieved and we feel it has made a positive difference to the area."
The landmark church, which has been derelict since 1984, is on Hull City Council's register of listed buildings at risk because of its poor condition.
Hull City Council will look to meet Rana Ahmad, of Hessle Rose House Ltd, in the near future.
Ward councillor Nadine Fudge is delighted work is finally being carried out on Hessle Rose House.
She said: "There have been lots of promises surrounding the building in the past but it has been slowly disintegrating.
"I was beginning to think nothing would ever get done and I'm surprised it hasn't been vandalised.
"It will help smarten up the area. It is a lovely building and is one of the first you see when you enter Hessle Road from the east."
