Historic Buildings

Hoarwithy Vision Project

A 2024 National Lottery Heritage Fund ‘pre-development’ grant enabled our organisation to deliver a successful community engagement project at our church. 115 local people took part in activities, consultation and planning. Evaluation confirmed strong enthusiasm for heritage crafts, oral history and nature-based family activities, and gave us insights into how to improve communication, access and volunteering opportunities. These findings have shaped our vision for the project: We aim to ‘secure the future of St Catherine’s as a fully utilised church and community space, restored for current and future generations as a beautiful, warm and welcoming centre for all.’ To achieve this, we will: • Remove St Catherine’s from the Heritage at Risk register through repair works • Lay the foundations for a sustainable, inclusive heritage programme connecting the church, community and local environment • Develop St Catherine’s as a cultural hub and visitor destination, increasing footfall, engagement and income • Strengthen resilience through capacity building, fundraising, and business and sustainability planning