Reordering Project: Faculty Granted!

Some good news to report to our many supporters this Christmastide. We have just received the necessary legal permissions to go ahead with levelling and repairing the floor, replacing many of the pews with more comfortable and flexible seating, and installing an accessible toilet and better service facilities. The faculty also includes solar panels on the south aisle roof, though this will also require planning permission, and heated pew cushions (where pews are retained). There is one design matter to resolve which is the plans for a state-of-the-art far infra-red heating system, which is both economical to run, and eco-friendly. We expect to have decisions on this complex matter in the next month or two.

This is excellent news and a major step towards realising our vision of making St. Mary’s a more flexible space for visitors, concerts and local groups. It also means we can press ahead with our fundraising since most major grant-making bodies require permission to have been obtained.

The focus in early 2024 will move from faculty to funding. There will be a further update on this at the end of January and we will aim to provide a monthly update like this from then on.

A big thank you to all those who have already contributed to the project, whether financially or otherwise. There is still a way to go yet but, all being well, we would be looking to commence work in November 24.

Happy Christmas to all!