Places of Worship Renewal Fund Update

Historic England has published an update on the Places of Worship Renewal Fund. When the Fund opens, detailed guidance, including eligibility and how to apply, will be available here: Places of Worship Renewal Fund | Historic England

In the meantime, parishes considering making an application to the Fund are encouraged to arrange a quinquennial inspection as a matter of urgency if it is overdue (this applies equally to parishes that aren’t considering making an application), and start collating information and documentation that will be needed to support a Faculty application and Fund application. This includes:

• A specification of work (you are advised to speak to your QI architect about this), and quotations from suitably experienced contractors
• Plan indicating where the proposed works are located
• Photographs of the building
• Photographs of the area where work is needed
• Clarification of whether any other consents would be required, e.g. local authority planning permission
• A plan to deliver the proposed works in a timely way.

This will place parishes in a strong position when the Fund opens for applications. The process is expected to begin with an expression of interest stage, so only eligible and well‑prepared projects can progress to a full application. For the first round, it is important that projects can be delivered quickly once funding is awarded.

Based on previous capital schemes and Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Scheme, it should not be assumed that only large grants will be awarded. The application process will be proportionate to the size of grant being sought.

There will be further rounds of the scheme over the next 4 years, and there may be a further round this year, so churches that are not ready to make an application in the first round should begin to prepare for these as soon as details of the scheme are known.

Further information to support parishes can be found on the ChurchCare website and our Buildings page.

If you have any questions, please email DAC@manchester.anglican.org