The external fabric of St Mary's Pastoral and Retreat Centre has deteriorated over the past century and a quarter since it was built. Although thorough maintenance work has been carried out over its lifetime, it is now recognised that a significant restoration programme is necessary to the buildings if the Centre is to continue serving the community for the future. All of the work which is required must be carried out in sympathy with the original construction but with recognition of current legislation.
To carry out all of the repairs and restorations necessary requires a long term commitment and a phased approach to the work over a period of 4 to 5 years. The programme of work packages for the external fabric have been recommended:
Phase 1: The South-East wing of the collegiate building including the retreatants' chapel and clock tower fire escape exit.
Phase 2: The main administrative area with residential staff accommodation above.
Phases 3 & 4: The main retreatants' accommodation wing and main entrance stairway.
Phase 5: The Church and crypt, including ground drainage and stained glass conservation.
In addition, a programme of work to upgrade the internal facilities of the centre, particularly to upgrade the retreatants' accommodation facilities, including full disabled accommodation and toilet facilities, and to bring the centre into line with current fire protection regulations should be carried out concurrently. It is estimated that all of the work required to fully upgrade the centre will cost about £1.5 million.
Modest financial support from a large number of supporters can help substantially in demonstrating genuine commitment to the restoration of this important part of our national heritage. We are looking for:
- 50 companies or individuals who can commit £200 towards the restoration of St Mary’s
- 50 companies or individuals who can commit £300 towards the restoration of St Mary’s
- 50 companies or individuals who can commit £500 towards the restoration of St Mary’s
In total this would generate an income of £50,000 which would help us to demonstrate to National Grant Awarding Bodies the feasibility of our overall financial plan. If the support could be given by Gift Aid, that sum would increase very significantly. If this support could be committed over a three year period it would generate a minimum income of £150,000 which constitutes over 10% of the total fundraising target of £1.5M.