THE Hoarwithy Vision Project has been granted National Lottery funding for its plans to save, explore and celebrate the heritage of St Catherine’s Church.

St Catherine’s Church is widely recognised for its exceptional architectural and historic interest and was transformed in the late 19th century into an extraordinary Italianate and Byzantine-inspired building rich in decorative detail and was described by the renowned architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as ‘the most impressive Victorian church in the county’.

But now the Grade I listed building, originally built in 1840, is listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and the need for conservation action is urgent.

Roof failures, drainage issues and masonry decay are allowing rainwater and damp into the church which is damaging the building’s historic fabric and interior finishes.

Without intervention, deterioration will continue and repair costs will escalate, putting the future of this nationally important church at significant risk.

The Hoarwithy Vision Project aims to secure the future of St Catherine’s Church through urgent repair planning and the development of a sustainable programme that will help more people enjoy and engage with its heritage.

As part of this an interpretation plan will be created with the input from local volunteers to ensure inclusive physical and digital interpretation that is accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Development funding of £178,784 has been awarded by the Lottery’s Heritage Fund to help the Parochial Church Council progress its plans will fund the detailed work needed to prepare a robust second-round application to the National Lottery for a grant of £1.4million to ultimately deliver a high-quality, sustainable project of repairs and public engagement.

The church occupies a dramatic setting overlooking the Wye Valley, it is valued by the local community, its congregation, and the many visitors who explore the area on foot, by bike and on the river.

Churchwardens Peter Pember and Jeff Goulding said: “We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans to secure the future of our church through urgent repairs and an appealing activity and interpretation programme which will enable more people to enjoy and learn about the heritage of our church and its idyllic setting.”

Development activities include planning the conservation works and conducting investigations and architectural and ecological surveys along with the production of key conservation documents including a conservation management plan along with its maintenance provisions and a preparation of detailed plans, drawings and specifications to support procurement of permissions and contractors.

Also proposed is the creation of a sustainable activity plan shaped by research, consultation, testing and evaluation, with hands-on and multi-generational opportunities, environmental engagement and oral history activities.

Other plans include developing specialist support and devising plans for long-term resilience, income generation and visitor growth.

Over the coming months, there will be opportunities for local people, volunteers and partner organisations to get involved as plans develop.