ST PETER'S Church in Cleethorpes has launched an appeal to revamp its historic Victorian building.
The church is aiming to carry out a series of improvements aimed at securing its future as a modern community hub for the 21st century.
The work, which will include replacing rotting timber under the nave floor, installing a retractable projector screen, and creating a refreshment unit, is expected to cost about £420,000.
And although the church will apply for grant funding towards the project, it anticipates that it will have to raise about £60,000 of the money through its own fundraising.
Announcing the launch of the A-mend Appeal, the Reverend Paul Hunter, the rector of St Peter's, said: "St Peter's has a glorious past. It was built in 1866, but the building is showing its age.
"Now we believe is the time for all of us, the church, and the town's communities to work together with the help of God to restore and renew this building for the next generation.
"It is both a great challenge and an exciting adventure – challenging because of the effort and faith that is required to achieve our goal, exciting because of the opportunities that will be opened by undertaking this project."
Gordon Smith, the architect behind the plans, said that although the appeal was first mooted because of the need to replace the rotting timber, it now represented a great opportunity to equip the church for the 21st century.
Also included in the plans are a new dais to increase the space for performers taking part in concerts and plays, a new glass door at the entrance, improved access to the tower so members of the public can enjoy panoramic views from the top, and an enlarged annexe with an office, meeting room and a toilet for the disabled.
A series of fundraising events are being planned, and donations can be made by sending a cheque, made payable to St Peter's Church, Cleethorpes, to St Peter's Parish Office, St Peter's Church Hall, St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, DN35 8HP. Please write A-mend project on the back of your cheque.
