MP James Cleverly is Shown Restoration Progress St Mary's Church
James Cleverly MP, Member of Parliament for Braintree, visited St Mary’s Church in Stebbing last week to see firsthand the progress of this church’s restoration project ‘The Way Forward’. Led by Rhoda Herbert, Project Lead from the Way Forward initiative, alongside Adrian Ward, Project Manager from Bakers of Danbury Heritage Building Contractors and Hanslip & Company Architects, James Cleverly was given an in-depth tour showcasing the extensive craftsmanship and dedication behind the renovation.
Transforming a Historic Church into a Community Hub
The project, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors, focuses on preserving the church’s rich history while adapting it for modern use. Key works include installing underfloor heating, enhancing accessibility, improving facilities, introducing flexible seating and implementing new lighter and audio visual systems. The goal is to transform St Mary’s into a vibrant community hub whilst safeguarding its heritage as a community landmark for years to come.
VAT Regulation Changes are adding Financial Pressure
Speaking during the visit, James Cleverly praised the restoration team’s efforts, highlighting the projects significance for both the church and the wider community. He also highlighted the financial challenges that churches and heritage sites are facing due to the recent changes to VAT regulations on restoration work.
Project Manager Adrian Ward emphasised the financial challenges and the significance of the work, stating ‘The recent changes to VAT regulations on restoration work have added significant financial pressure, making projects like this event more challenging to undertake. Yet despite these obstacles this restoration will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy and use this space as an integral part of the community’
The Importance of Community-Led Heritage Restoration Initiatives
The visit underscored the dedication and expertise driving The Way Forward Project and reinforced the importance of community-led initiatives in preserving local heritage. With support from funders, volunteers, skilled craftsmen and conservation experts, St Mary’s Church stands as an example not only of restoration but also of how a place can be reimagined to serve as a community space for the enjoyment of all for years to come.
Specialists in Heritage Building Restoration
As experts in heritage, conservation and new construction and providing building restoration throughout Essex and the South East, we are proud to work on a project such as this.
You can find out more about the projects we work on by visiting our Case Study page. If you would like to contact us to discuss your project then please get in touch.
Local MP Visits St Mary’s Church Restoration Project in Stebbing, Essex
MP James Cleverly is Shown Restoration Progress St Mary's Church
James Cleverly MP, Member of Parliament for Braintree, visited St Mary’s Church in Stebbing last week to see firsthand the progress of this church’s restoration project ‘The Way Forward’.
Led by Rhoda Herbert, Project Lead from the Way Forward initiative, alongside Adrian Ward, Project Manager from Bakers of Danbury Heritage Building Contractors and Hanslip & Company Architects, James Cleverly was given an in-depth tour showcasing the extensive craftsmanship and dedication behind the renovation.
Transforming a Historic Church into a Community Hub
The project, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors, focuses on preserving the church’s rich history while adapting it for modern use. Key works include installing underfloor heating, enhancing accessibility, improving facilities, introducing flexible seating and implementing new lighter and audio visual systems. The goal is to transform St Mary’s into a vibrant community hub whilst safeguarding its heritage as a community landmark for years to come.
VAT Regulation Changes are adding Financial Pressure
Speaking during the visit, James Cleverly praised the restoration team’s efforts, highlighting the projects significance for both the church and the wider community. He also highlighted the financial challenges that churches and heritage sites are facing due to the recent changes to VAT regulations on restoration work.
Project Manager Adrian Ward emphasised the financial challenges and the significance of the work, stating ‘The recent changes to VAT regulations on restoration work have added significant financial pressure, making projects like this event more challenging to undertake. Yet despite these obstacles this restoration will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy and use this space as an integral part of the community’
The Importance of Community-Led Heritage Restoration Initiatives
The visit underscored the dedication and expertise driving The Way Forward Project and reinforced the importance of community-led initiatives in preserving local heritage. With support from funders, volunteers, skilled craftsmen and conservation experts, St Mary’s Church stands as an example not only of restoration but also of how a place can be reimagined to serve as a community space for the enjoyment of all for years to come.
Specialists in Heritage Building Restoration
As experts in heritage, conservation and new construction and providing building restoration throughout Essex and the South East, we are proud to work on a project such as this.
You can find out more about the projects we work on by visiting our Case Study page. If you would like to contact us to discuss your project then please get in touch.
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