Landmark Harrogate church unveils £2m renovation plan

A Harrogate church has unveiled an ambitious  £2m renovation scheme aimed at opening it up to tourists and visitors. Fundraising has begun at St Peter’s Church in the town centre which hopes to develop the building to draw in visitors to Harrogate as well as meet the needs of the growing congregation. The main family service at St Peter’s is now regularly attended by 150 adults and 70 children and young people and leaders are concerned that church groups are being hampered by lack of space.

Vicar of St Peter’s Canon Tony Shepherd says that the plans are central to an important year for the church. “I believe that 2009 is likely to be a most momentous year in the life of St. Peter’s.” he writes in this month’s parish magazine. The building project, he says, will ”provide much needed meeting space particularly for our young people’s work, and will enhance our beautiful Victorian building.”

The concept designs by architects, Pearce Bottomley, include a new entrance with the use of glass enabling  passers-by at the West End to see the whole church to the altar. A new glass room on the precinct gives added flexibility, and features include a new first floor hall, enlarged cellar area, additional meeting rooms and storage space.

Caroline Davison who is working with Canon Tony Shepherd on the plans said, “St Peter’s church isn’t just a church with a local congregation. Its location is such that many visitors to our town happen upon it and visit it. The plans intend to mix the old with the new and to modernise to meet growing needs whilst still retaining the charm and character of the building.” She added, “It is a tall order but one which is stirring real excitement and anticipation in all those involved.”

A range of funding sources have been identified and the congregation are taking part in a “Bricks campaign” with a gift day to be held in May.