Regenerating St Peter’s as a cultural hub for Sudbury

People look at stalls at a craft fair inside St Peter's Sudbury
A craft fair at St Peter's. Photo: Allison Burke.

Heritage Grants

Date awarded
Location
Sudbury North West
Local Authority
Babergh
Applicant
The Churches Conservation Trust
Award Given
£1952900
St Peter’s Cultural Venue is being transformed into a new arts, heritage and learning space at the heart of Sudbury, Suffolk.

St Peter’s are working with the Churches Conservation Trust and The Bridge Project to secure the building’s future and transform it into the go-to hub for events and heritage in Sudbury.

A magnificent medieval church that dominates the town, St Peter’s boasts beautiful historic features including vibrant Victorian stained glass windows and ten bells, the oldest of which was made in about 1470.

In March 1971 St Peter’s held its final service of worship and in 1976 the church was passed to the Churches Conservation Trust, the national charity saving historic churches at risk.

A black and white aerial photo of St Peter's church in Sudbury
St Peter's is a focal point in Sudbury. Photo: The Churches Conservation Trust.

 

Crucial work to conserve the building and enhance its facilities has included:

  • repairs to the roof
  • a new kitchen area
  • improved storage
  • a mezzanine floor
  • new toilet facilities

The project will help communities around Sudbury to re-discover this historic building and the stories of Sudbury through new interpretation, pop-up exhibitions and the opportunity to get involved in community storytelling projects. A varied events and activity programme will also help bring wider audiences to the venue.

A new community enterprise café will offer a social space for the community, and a volunteer training programme will help people develop their skills and connect with others.

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