By Isle of Wight Observer
The Parochial Church Council for Newport has received initial National Lottery support to refurbish the church and make it welcoming and accessible to all.
Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to complete external repairs to remove the building from Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register, create new facilities including a disabled WC, new activity spaces and a new kitchen and servery, restore the Princess Elizabeth and Sir Edward Horsey monuments and deliver a vibrant activity plan researching the history of the building and famous people associated with its past who worked and worshiped there.
Development funding of £130,700 has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to help the Revitalising Newport Minster project develop plans to apply for a
full National Lottery grant at a later date.
The Minster is Grade I listed and is important for its architectural design and its links
to the royal family and Charles I as his daughter Princess Elizabeth is buried in the
church.
It’s hoped to attract new volunteers to help open the building for longer during the
week and to ensure the church becomes a the focal point and hub for Island Ministry
and the community.
New facilities will make the building more accessible and comfortable and we hope will bring in a wider range of the community for worship and activities and to encourage everyone to enjoy and learn about its architecture, heritage and history.
The Minster also hopes to work in partnership with other heritage attractions and organisations on the island to support and encourage shared learning, resources and
opportunities.
Commenting on the award, the Vicar Kevin Arkell said: “We’re delighted that we’ve
received this support thanks to National Lottery players. We hope to be able to
welcome and support many more people in Newport due to this funding and to work
in partnership with other heritage organisations, creating new opportunities for those
in need.”
Isle of Wight Observer