A Grade I listed church in south Liverpool has been handed fresh hope for the future after holding positive funding talks earlier this week.
Built in 1815, St Michael-in-the-Hamlet church is widely regarded as being one of the most historic buildings in the city thanks to its unique cast-iron structure and listed status. It is believed to be one of only a few remaining cast-iron churches left in the world. The church has also gained a reputation in recent years thanks to its regular concerts, hosting the likes of Paul Weller, Laufey and Liverpool's very own John Power.
However, earlier this year the ECHO reported the church's future was in serious doubt due to it being in desperate need of essential repairs.
Funding efforts and talks
In an effort to try and secure its future, the St Michael's 1815 Heritage Association (the charitable arm of St Michael-in-the-Hamlet church) has been trying to source funding to help complete essential repairs. While some of the money needed can be raised through concerts and various community fundraising drives, the St Michael's 1815 Heritage Association is hoping to secure between £1.8m and £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Speaking to the ECHO earlier this year, Anne Bush, from the St Michael's 1815 Heritage Association, said: "It's unthinkable that the future of such an architecturally unique building could be in jeopardy.
"We are reaching out to conservation and architectural heritage groups to support the funding application and secure the future of one of only two cast iron churches in the country."
After engaging in talks with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) earlier this week, the church has moved closer to securing its future.
Support from the Heritage Lottery Fund
Anne told the ECHO: "We had a meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund yesterday [20 October]. They remain fully supportive of our project to continue the restoration of our wonderful Grade I listed building and are committed to working with us to develop our bid further to secure the funding we need for this work, having previously already granted us almost £1m in funds."
The HLF have acknowledged the importance of the building, together with it being an essential community asset.
"Over the next few weeks we will be working with the HLF to see how we can realise our vision."
Community support and planned works
Meanwhile, the church's vicar, Keith Hitchman said: "I am extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the members of St Michael's Church and the wider local community for keeping the dream alive.
"Their continued support, generosity and belief in this project are helping us move closer to restoring one of Liverpool's most significant church buildings and preserving its rich heritage for future generations."
If the Association manages to raise enough funds, the church will carry out a number of works. These will include making the building watertight by carrying out work on the south side roof, cast-iron pinnacles, exterior pointing, interior plasterwork and graveyard railings.
Anne said she has seen just how important the church is to the local community in her years living in the local area. She said: "You only have to be at an open day where people will come in who maybe live down in Fulwood Village or they live in the hamlet itself and they're really interested, people come in and they're just so taken aback, they say 'Whoa, I didn't know this was here.'
"A lot of people come and visit because maybe grandparents were married there or people went to St Michael's Junior School, it's quite unique, you don't expect to find it."
