St Peter's Church, Macclesfield, has been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant of up to £121,500 towards the repairs of the church building – just in time to mark 170 years since the completion of the building in 1849.
The project, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, will focus on making critical repairs to the church roof, together with essential repairs to the tower stonework and tower roof.
The poor condition of these areas has contributed to the church having been listed on Historic England's "Churches at Risk Register". The work should ensure it can be taken off the register soon.
Church Council Chairman, John Phillipson, says: "The NLHF gave us a grant which supported the Development Phase of the project in 2018 and we are very grateful for the generous award of this Delivery grant, which will enable us to complete the project. The church sits at the heart of our community in Macclesfield and we’re delighted we can carry out this much-needed work.”
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The Diocese of Chester is committed to the care of its church buildings and is passionate about sharing our Christian heritage and culture with visitors and tourists. For more information and advice, contact Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner in the Diocese of Chester.
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As well as supporting the repair work, the grant will also contribute to the funding of a heritage engagement programme, which will help to tell the past and present story of the heritage of the church.
John Phillipson adds: "This will be a great opportunity to reach out to our local community through the use of historical information, film and craft activities and we’ll be supported by local artists and experts in the work. The heritage materials will be developed in parallel with the building repair work and used in an open church and other engagement events in 2020."
The PCC was supported in its application by Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner in the Diocese of Chester. She says: "I am delighted that the NLHF has awarded this Delivery grant to St Peter's, Macclesfield. It is 170 years old this year. What better way to mark that milestone than with a grant to carry out the essential work that will help ensure the building is loved by generations to come over the next 170 years and beyond."
St Peter's Church, Macclesfield
It is planned that the practical work will begin after Easter. Repairs to the tower will be undertaken first. Further work to the north aisle and vestry roofs will take place in the summer to minimise disruption to all users of the building.
The building will remain open throughout the work, but the area under the north aisle and vestry roofs will be partitioned off whilst the repairs are carried out.