Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project aims to further develop the church as a community and heritage visitor centre. Archive information about the building and the surrounding area will be displayed alongside the church’s main role as a place of worship.
The project includes essential conservation work on four, high level windows, three stained glass aisle windows and the porch. The lower North aisle roof is also to be replaced.
Work began on the South side of the church in late August 2017 and is expected to be completed by mid-March 2018. The church has remained open throughout the building work.
New works to both porch entrances will considerably improve access for disabled and visually impaired visitors and parents with prams and pushchairs. A designated disabled parking area adjacent to the North porch entrance and cycle rack will further enhance access provision.
A mini-kitchen will also be created at the back of church to enhance the visitor experience and a roof alarm system installed to safeguard repair works.
Schools and other group parties will be invited to discover the history of the church and area escorted by trained volunteer guides or access information via an app linked to their smart phone or tablet and the church’s website. Interest from the public to become tour guides is actively welcomed by the church.
Church members have worked hard at raising funds and have also been pleased to receive grants and gifts from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Allchurches Trust, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, Merseytravel and local churches All Saints with St. Frideswyde and St. Michaels.
Consecrated in 1874, St. Nicholas’ church continues to be a thriving hub in the centre of the local community. The church and halls are home to a large number of community activities displayed on their website www.stnicholasblundellsands.org
The Reverend Canon Janet Roberts said “We are delighted to receive this support due to National Lottery players. This enables St. Nicholas’ to serve our local area and make the building even more accessible to all ages.