AN AMBITIOUS project to breathe new life into a historic city centre church is on track in its bid to raise more than £1.5million.
The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), which are attempting to transform St Swithun’s Church into a centre for heritage, learning and the arts, has been successful in its application for a £196,000 grant.
The project will include essential roof repairs and upgrading the the Trinity based church to provide a diverse programme of music, cultural events and performing arts.
Dr Neil Rushton, conservation project manager for CCT, said the funding boost was a first round award by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop the project over the next 18 months.
And he said they would return to HLF to bid for a second round award in 2016 as they look to secure a further £1.4 million towards the scheme.
“It’s fantastic news,” Dr Rushton said. “The HLF have only got so many funds to give out and there are a lot of people with very good projects that need funding, so the CCT and the local people who have put in so much effort were delighted.
“The first stage bid is so important because if you don’t get that you are not going to get the second stage of funding whereas if you get the first stage you are are well on the way to getting the entire amount.
“That would be a lot of money and would make sure the building is repaired adequately for the next 50 years at least.”
Dr Rushton said the 18th church which is located on Church Street, between the High Street and The Shambles, remains one of the most buildings in the city.
“Worcester is steeped in history and heritage because of buildings like this,” he added. “If you lose them or don’t take care of them then you are going to have less history and heritage which means less tourism and less happy people, so it is incredibly important for us to do this.”
Will Scott, chairman of The Friends’ of St Swithun’s, which has been working close with the CCT to save the church, said he was “over the moon” to secure the cash injection.
“I am delighted that we can now start developing this much loved space into a centre for heritage, learning and arts,” he added.
“It will be fantastic to see it playing a vibrant role at the heart of the community once again, and this project will ensure that happens in the best possible way.”
Anyone interesting in being a volunteer for the Churches Conservation Trust should email [email protected]
