Green improvements for Shrewsbury church

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £220,000 to St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury, with the money to help deliver essential renovations and repairs for the building.

A grade I-listed property, the Shropshire Star reports the church will now undergo far-reaching repairs to its unusual circular nave and vestibule, as well as undergoing the installation of additional roof insulation.

The work is designed to ensure the longevity of the building, which attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year and is an important venue for Remembrance Day services, lectures and a range of ceremonies.

Parish administrator Amanda Venner told the publication: “We were awarded it some time ago but of course we haven’t been able to say anything until now, but now we’ve told the congregation and they’re delighted, it’s really good news for us.”

The decision follows the announcement that the church had been placed on the English Heritage ‘at risk’ register due to the pressing need for extensive renovations.

However, with the allocation of this new grant funding, it is hoped the necessary work can be completed as soon as possible and the property can be removed from the body’s ‘at risk’ list.

In total, the project will cost some £300,000 to carry out, with the remainder of the funds having been raised from the Friends of St Chad’s Memorial Fund, the Owen Family Trust and the Listed Places of Work Grant Scheme.