Historic England have announced that £1.3 million of their £15 million Government funded Heritage at Risk Capital Fund will be awarded to help save two historic church buildings in London. Grants will fund urgent repairs to St Mary’s Church in Somers Town and aid the reopening of the Greenhouse Centre, a converted church in Westminster, now belonging to Greenhouse Sports – a charity delivering sports coaching and mentoring to young people facing poverty.
Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and led by Historic England, the one-year heritage grants seek to benefit projects in disadvantaged communities, creating jobs and community spaces.
St Mary’s on Eversholt Street in the London Borough of Camden is a Grade II listed church which requires urgent repairs so it can continue to serve the local community. St Mary’s has been at the heart of Somers Town for 200 years, providing a place of worship and developing deep connections with people locally to offer much-needed community space and a place of sanctuary for those in need.
The poor condition of the Gothic-style building has meant St Mary’s has faced threats of closure and even demolition. This funding will address the most immediate work needed to the West Front, which is already under protective scaffolding. This will cover repairs to failing masonry, brickwork and joinery as well as repointing, cleaning and improved drainage. This vital work will enable the church to develop further phases of restoration to ultimately bring the whole building back to its former glory for the benefit of the community.
Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London said: “I am delighted that the government recognises the timeless impact of our historic churches, which continue to be treasured by the public today. This Historic England fund prioritises sites that serve disadvantaged communities and deliver strong local benefits, which St Mary’s does in abundance. The grant will enable urgent repairs to St Mary’s West Front, helping preserve the church for future generations.”
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, said: “Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes. This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation’s most disadvantaged areas. We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
Heritage Minister, Baroness Twycross said: “Our extraordinary heritage weaves together the stories that define who we are as communities and as a nation.
“We are delivering on our Plan for Change, through the Heritage at Risk Fund, by breathing new life into treasured places, buildings and monuments across the country, helping to increase opportunities and ensuring that future generations have access to our rich heritage.”