St Nicholas' Building Project

Our Building Project has its origins in a Vision Day in 2018. An interregnum and COVID delayed things but also shaped the vision. The church became a place for funeral and pastoral meetings when visiting in homes was forbidden – we could easily keep the required social distances in the church and keep surfaces clean. An open church and an open plan church also reduced privacy for some pastoral conversations. Creating a room was an addition to the plans for toilets and other re-orderings.

We decided to prioritise toilets, including disabled and baby-changing facilities, as a symbolic "first fruit" —a small but profound step toward completing the larger vision. The project isn't just about physical renovations but about enhancing the church's role as a welcoming and functional space for everyone. We also recognise it will take longer to raise funds for the full project.

The Cowper Room will honour the legacy of William Cowper while providing a versatile and comforting space for both pastoral and community use. The emphasis on "wellness and mindfulness" aligns wonderfully with Cowper's struggles and the human needs of today. Its adaptability—from serving as a class and pastoral room to a green room—will serve our community well. It will have a kitchenette and independent heating.

The conservation of the painted ceiling will unlock more of the historical significance of our church building and heritage. The redecorating of the walls, cleaning the monuments and bespoke lighting will enhance the room.

The project is costly, in part due to the additional requirements of working within a grade 1 listed building and the conservation of the painted ceiling. The project is also the right thing to do. Toilets, pastoral and meeting space improve what we can offer our community.