£185,000 awarded to support transformation of Grade I listed church in Wadhurst

Wealden District Council has awarded £185,000 in community funding to Wadhurst Parochial Church Council.

The funding awarded comes from the council’s Community Led Infrastructure Fund (CLIF), a council initiative that invites organisations, community groups, and charities to apply for funding to create spaces and infrastructure that improve the lives of residents across Wealden.

Alongside the £185,000, other sources of income have been raised by Wadhurst Parochial Church Council and will be used to complete the transformation of the nave of the 12th-century Grade I listed church into a warm, flexible space for community activities.

Community events planned at the church will include craft markets, clothing swaps and sales, festivals, classical and folk concerts, and exhibitions. It will also be used as a large practice space for the local dance school.

Keep-fit classes and other suitable social and recreational activities will also take place in the renovated building alongside youth activities and drop-in sessions for older people and those who may be socially isolated.

The project is also helping to improve accessibility, with a significant proportion of the funding contributing to step-free access into and around the 12th-century building for the first time in 800 years.

The funding will also help support the building’s journey to net zero carbon,while creating a high-profile demonstration project for Wealden, Sussex and beyond, showing how a Grade I listed building can be adapted and heated sustainably for active community use.

At a cheque presentation held at the church, Wealden council leader Councillor Rachel Millward, and Councillor Paul Coleshill presented the cheque to representatives from Wadhurst church, including Reverend Dr Paul Ratcliff, Ruth Dunnett, Michael Hardcastle, Anthony Dunnett and Mary Burstow. Ward councillors Councillor Sarah Glynn-Ives and Councillor Johanna Howell also attended the presentation.

Applications to the fund are still open and community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants from £5,000 to £200,000. Organisations interested in applying can email: CLIF@wealden.gov.uk.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), leader of the council and lead councillor for Community, Culture and Communications, said, “This funding will help transform the church nave into a welcoming, flexible community space that can be enjoyed by residents. It is a fantastic example of how investment can be used to bring people together, strengthen local connections and create lasting benefits for our communities.

“We are committed to supporting charities and organisations that make a real difference across the district, and we encourage groups to explore the funding opportunities available. By working together, we can continue to build thriving, vibrant communities where people feel connected, supported and proud to live.”

Reverend Dr Paul Ratcliff, said, “We are so grateful to Wealden District Council for its generous grant of £185,000.  We are using the money to transform our church into a warm and inviting space, which can be flexibly used for worship and community activities.  The grant will enable the church to continue its 900-year role as the principal convening place in Wadhurst.  

“The repair and reordering of Wadhurst’s historic Parish Church will meet the chronic need for more community space in the village.  We look forward to seeing this wonderful heritage building also being used flexibly as a venue for music, theatre, dance and recreational activities to support all ages. Opening up the north door, and enabling disabled access into and throughout the building, will ensure that everyone can enjoy this historic building for generations to come. Thank you Wealden District Council.”