London churches to be restored by Historic England

Three listed London buildings currently on the heritage at risk register have been awarded more than £1m for repairs by Historic England.

The funding will support urgent work at St Richard's Church in Ham, Richmond, St Andrew's Church in Islington, and the former Sunday School at Union Chapel in Islington.

Historic England's regional director Tom Foxall said the buildings were "beautiful places in urgent need".

"These three special buildings are not only beautiful historic places in need of urgent funding for repairs, but they are all essential to their local communities as important places to meet, bond, worship in and enjoy."

A grant of more than £425,000 will provide structural support for the failing roof at St Richard's, a Grade II listed modernist landmark.

The 1960s building, designed by architect Ralph Covell, is recognised for its innovative hyperbolic paraboloid roof and its distinctive Star of David‑shaped plan.

Part of the roof is currently held up by scaffolding and the church has been forced to close until further propping is installed.

The new funding will allow internal supports to be fitted and a temporary canopy added to prevent more water damage.

Vicar of St Richard's Ham, Simon Coupland, said the money would prevent further deterioration and keep the church open for the community.

He said: "We love our iconic 1960s church but desperately need to keep the rain out and repair the damage it's caused, so we're incredibly grateful to Historic England for their generous grant."

St Andrew's in Islington continues to operate as a church, community hub and children's nursery, and will host a fundraising book festival in April.

It was built in 1854 to designs by Francis Newman and John Johnson.

The church spire needs urgent repair and is currently under protective netting.

Reverend of St Andrew's, Caroline Titley said the grant was "a turning point" and added that "the spire is central to community life".

The funding will also help complete restoration work at the former Sunday School at Union Chapel in Islington.

The Victorian complex, known for its celebrated music venue, is being restored as an accessible arts and heritage space.

The project is already backed by a £2.3m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and is due for completion in 2026.

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