Kendal Parish Church has secured a £3.1 million grant for urgent repairs, supporting a wider £4.3 million conservation and improvement project intended to remove the historic building from the Heritage at Risk Register.
The funding was awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Grade I-listed church, which remains in use, was placed on Historic England’s register in 2024. It is described as the oldest building in Kendal still being used for its original purpose.
What the restoration project will deliver
The work will include restoration of the church’s 15th-century tower and the roof of Bellingham Chapel. Flexible spaces will also be created in the outer aisles, allowing the building to support community use.
Planned upgrades include a new heating system designed to reduce carbon emissions and improvements to physical access for visitors. The project is intended to protect the church’s heritage while making it more usable for people who visit, worship or take part in activities there.
Kendal Parish Church welcomes more than 7,000 visitors each year and serves as both a community hub and a heritage landmark. More than £500,000 has already been invested in maintaining the building in recent years.
Church to remain open during works
The restoration project was developed with support from several local groups and Westmorland and Furness Council. Regional trusts and personal donations have also provided financial backing.
The Rev Canon Shanthi Peiris, vicar of Kendal Parish Church, said the award would allow the church to proceed with its plans. She said the church would remain open for worship and other activities while the building work takes place, although the works will be significant.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding and are excited to be able to go ahead with implementing our plans for the church.”
“This project captures what is so special about heritage and community in Kendal.”
Helen Featherstone, director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the grant would support urgent repairs to the tower and Bellingham Chapel roof. She added that the new flexible spaces would help future generations explore the church while its heritage is safeguarded.
The project’s stated next step is to implement the planned conservation, access, heating and community-space improvements, with the church continuing its worship and other activities throughout the work.