Major drive to restore churches and revitalise heritage buildings in communities across England announced

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund and the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund will provide grants to repair and renovate 74 sites, including churches, synagogues, town halls, and castles, across England. The investment aims to protect these buildings, which are central to local communities, from further deterioration and ensure their continued use. The funds are part of the wider £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund, highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving heritage and supporting community spaces.

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross announced the recipients following visits to Margate and Ramsgate, where the funds are supporting the restoration of the Grade II listed Margate Museum and Old Town Hall, as well as urgent repairs to Ramsgate’s Church of St George. The funding targets buildings in areas of greatest need, where fundraising is most challenging, to maximize impact and sustain local pride.

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund, in its first year, will distribute over £18 million to 51 recipients, including nationally renowned minsters, churches, and synagogues. The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, now in its second year, will provide nearly £13 million to 20 recipients, prioritizing buildings at risk of loss or severe damage.

Both funds are delivered by Historic England, which emphasized the importance of these sites in shaping community identity and providing spaces for connection. The grants will address significant repair and conservation needs, ensuring that historic landmarks like Dover Castle, Osborne, and Brodsworth Hall remain accessible to the public for generations to come.