Project Overview
Description
Legacy project: delivered as part of our long-standing arts & heritage portfolio. The community congregation took over the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Reading when it was due for demolition. The subsequent project included the conservation and community-focused restoration of the 150-year-old church, supporting the long-term future of a nationally significant place of worship while strengthening engagement between the Polish Catholic congregation, other faith groups and the wider community.
Our role
In addition to traditional project management services, we worked with the client team of church personnel and volunteers to write and win the Round 1 and 2 NLHF bids to conserve and restore the church. We prepared the Activity Plan for the second-round application, looking at how the existing congregation could welcome visitors from other faiths and nationalities into the Church through public events, volunteering and apprenticeships.
Scope and Outcomes
The capital project delivered crucial restoration works, keeping the church open and offering a fascinating story about civic duty and the extraordinary contribution of ordinary individuals. The heritage of the building is now available to all through a variety of activities, tours and social events. The Activity Plan involved consultation with existing, new and non-users of the church, beginning with the polish congregation and a dedicated team of volunteers.
