Conservation & Heritage Issue 52 Summer/Autumn 2026 - Flipbook - Page 50
“
Emma Squire and Claudia Kenyatta,
Co-CEOs of Historic England said:
Our listed places of worship and heritage sites make
vital contributions to local communities, particularly
in areas of the greatest need. This targeted funding is
an important step in keeping the roofs water-tight and
doors wide open at churches, and for bringing historic
buildings back into use for the communities who care
for them.”
“
Places of Worship Renewal Fund
Offering up to £23 million this year, the new Places of
Worship Renewal Fund will support a range of small to
large projects, from urgent structural repairs to physical
access improvements and the installation of new facilities to
expand community use. A further £69 million will be made
available across the course of this parliament.
Places of worship and historic buildings are at the heart
of communities across England. They connect people to
their local history and identity, while providing spaces
that support wellbeing, pride and social connection.
Through the Places of Worship Renewal Fund and the
Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, this investment will
direct support to the places where it is needed most,
helping to repair and secure the future of some of our
most valued heritage. By protecting these buildings
and supporting their sustainable reuse, we can help
communities unlock their potential for generations to
come.”
Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the
Architectural Heritage Fund said:
Listed places of worship across the country have reported
falling behind on structural repairs and maintenance, with
those in areas of high deprivation facing overwhelming
challenges to fundraising for the capital costs of building
works. The Places of Worship Renewal Fund targets those
areas of the greatest need, helping remove previously
insurmountable financial barriers to crucial repairs with
upfront capital grants. It is open to listed places of worship
serving all faiths.
“
The new funding scheme brings listed places of worship
in line with the funding opportunities that other heritage
buildings enjoy, with confirmation of the scheme for the
next four years providing much-needed certainty to the
church sector. The scheme will be delivered by Historic
England, who have well developed relationships across the
sector and can draw on their depth of experience to support
communities and volunteers with projects of all sizes.
Over the past year, the Heritage Revival Fund has
helped unlock the potential of social enterprises and
charities throughout England to take on and transform
neglected heritage assets into thriving new spaces.
Thanks to our renewed partnership with DCMS and
Historic England, we are thrilled to now be able to
extend the reach of this work through the expanded
programme, which will enable us to support many more
exciting community-led schemes across the country
over the next few years.”
The Bishop of Lynn, Dr Jane Steen, the Church of
England’s joint lead bishop for buildings, said:
“
Our church buildings are national treasures for the
common good, both for their spiritual, cultural and
historical significance and the vital practical help they
provide communities across the country.”
“
The majority of fundraising for the maintenance and
repair of church buildings is done locally by thousands
of wonderful volunteers. The Places of Worship
Renewal Fund has a vital part to play alongside this local
fundraising, and other funders who support churches.”
“
We welcome the launch of the Fund and we look
forward to working closely with Historic England, in
helping encourage eligible churches to make full use of
the scheme.”
Heritage at Risk Capital Fund
A second round of the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund has
opened for Expressions of Interest, backing projects that
ensure heritage buildings are fit for the future and continue
to tell our national story in communities across the country.
The fund prioritises projects that restore heritage sites
serving disadvantaged communities and which demonstrate
strong local benefits, from job creation to cultural events.
Up to £15 million in funding is available to at-risk heritage
sites this year, as part of a total £75 million Heritage at Risk
Capital Fund.
Heritage Revival Fund
The Heritage Revival Fund has also opened applications
to its second round, with funding doubling to £10 million
per year. The fund - worth £45 million in total - helps
communities to rescue and repurpose neglected historic
buildings and transform them to meet modern needs,
focusing on regenerating historic buildings in town centre
locations to create new arts and culture venues, workspaces,
affordable housing, and more.
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