A new heritage project
St Andrew’s Church in Soham has been awarded initial support totalling £315,000 (£270,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £45,000 from Historic England) to progress plans to restore the building and involve young people in learning heritage skills.
Development funding will help St Andrew’s Church to plan the major project, including conducting specialist surveys and piloting activities with local community groups. This work will help them apply for a full grant from the Heritage Fund of £2.8million at a later date. If successful, the project aims to begin major repairs in 2027.
The Revd Eleanor Whalley, Vicar of Soham said:
“This is such good news! Both The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England told us they’d been impressed by St Andrew's Church's existing partnerships with Soham’s schools, local businesses and professionals working within the heritage buildings sector, and by the activities we host during Black History Month.”
“Soham is a fantastic place in which to live and work, and we hope this project will build on these links. Thanks to National Lottery players and to so many others from across our community for making this exciting project possible.”
Liz Bates, the incoming Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“We are pleased to support St Andrew’s Church with this grant of £270,000. Through our Heritage in Need: Places of Worship Strategic Initiative we are committed to supporting places of worship to build skills, partnerships and community involvement to care for their heritage.”
Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said:
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the local community to support St Andrew’s Church in Soham. This collaborative approach is hugely important for giving new life to our precious heritage. Together, we’re not only investing in the church’s restoration but creating opportunities for young people to develop vital skills, inspiring the next generation of craftspeople and strengthening community bonds. I look forward to seeing this important Grade I listed building thriving once again at the heart of its community.”