NLHF Press Release
St John’s RC Church Rochdale Secures National Lottery Support
St John’s RC Church has received initial support from The National Lottery for the conservation of the church and the creation of a community hub. This has been made possible by National Lottery players. The grant of initial development funding of £59,200, which has been awarded to the Church by the National Lottery Heritage Fund*, will enable the application team to undertake building surveys, seek professional advice and undertake further consultation with key partners. This development work will start in the New Year and will enable the Church team to progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant. If successful, this could lead to substantial funding to begin the main work in 2021.
This National Lottery project aims to carry out essential conservation work to ensure St John’s dome and magnificent mosaics are preserved for future generations. The plans also include a wide range of community activities: there will be an interactive website to inform and welcome visitors; the history of the church will be explored and a library of oral histories created; there will be nature and mosaic workshops; and there will be extensive opportunities for volunteers and schoolchildren to learn as they engage with the St John’s project.
The first St John’s Church in Rochdale was founded almost 200 years ago. It was replaced by the present landmark building, built to resemble the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, in 1927. Over the years the Church community has welcomed migrants from all over the world including Irish, Ukrainian, Polish, Italian and now African. Situated opposite Rochdale Station, St John’s is indeed the gateway to Rochdale and for many the Church has been the gateway to a new life in Rochdale.
Commenting on the award, a spokesperson from St John’s said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. St John’s is almost 100 years old and it’s great to know that we are a step closer to conserving the church and creating a hub for the wider community. ”
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
* National Lottery Heritage Fund grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. St John’s Church has initially been granted round one development funding of £59,200 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award.
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund