Resilient Heritage
Following almost 200 years of service and engagement, the Grade II* church has become an important part of both Hoxton’s heritage and community. However, St John’s felt that the building and crypt were not being used to their full potential. Completing our Resilient Heritage Strength Checker helped them realise that although they provide many high quality services, there were areas of organisational concern that need to be addressed.
Overseen by a project manager, the project looked at both their current management and future development plans which included the construction of a new annex and block of mixed tenure housing, and reordering the crypt to allow for creative and commercial uses.
The project included community consultation, a staff and capacity audit and environmental study. They also reviewed existing operating models, created a fundraising plan and assessed the church’s historical significance, in order to ensure the capital proposals minimised any negative impacts.
All commissions included budget for staff training, as well as presenting completed plans to volunteers and the local community. An intern receiving the London Living Wage also supported the project and received training and mentoring.