A new mosque could spare a former church from becoming just another deteriorating building.

But to allow the renovation that requires, the city must work out a compromise on its historical designation for the original place of worship built in 1907-08.

"It is good for the community, good for the area and it would help a lot for the development of the city," said Mohammed Tariq, who is part of a group with a conditional offer to purchase the former St. Giles Presbyterian (United) Church church at 294 Burrows Ave.

But the $100,000 purchase and larger renovation won't go through unless the city removes, or alters, restrictions placed on it as a building included on the city's historical resources list. That designation currently prevents the church's demolition, as well as interior renovations done without a permit, said Tariq.

"We want to put some life in this building and that's only possible if it can be taken out from the heritage status," said Tariq, noting pews and seating must be removed to allow the style of worship practiced in a mosque.

Tariq said the plan would keep the exterior intact and require an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 in roof repairs to bring the building into usable condition.

City staff previously sought to maintain the heritage protections, noting the building's "stately" architecture and "beautiful vaulted auditorium." The church most recently played home to a congregation of the Baptist Union of Western Canada but has been empty since March.

At the meeting, however, city staff indicated the designation could be tweaked to allow the revamp of the building's interior alone.

The city's downtown development, heritage and riverbank management committee voted Monday to postpone its vote on the matter until November to allow for staff and the potential purchasers to work on a compromise.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), who chairs the committee, said the deal may offer the best chance for the building to be used again.

"No one wants demolition but we also don't want (the church) to sit there unused if somebody wants to invest (in it)," said Mayes.

joyanne.pursaga@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @pursagawpgsun