Selby Abbey
Work areas: activity planning, interpretation planning, business planning
We worked with Selby Abbey to create an Activity Plan, Interpretation Plan and Business Plan for a second round Heritage Fund application. The project will conserve key elements of the historic fabric, including a significant stained glass window, and will create new opportunities to link the Abbey to the town and extend community engagement.
We worked with the small staff and volunteer team to develop realistic activity proposals, including staffing requirements. The activity plan included proposals for training, volunteering, targeted projects, work experience, public events, a strengthened visitor offer and biodiversity initiatives. The project is awaiting a decision.
Hull Minster
Work areas: business planning
We worked with Hull Minster to review business development opportunities for the church, with the aim of supporting their future operation, ministry and community engagement. We then developed a business plan based on the preferred approach.
An initial review assessed the organisation's current financial and operational situation, capacity and ambitions, as well as the market context. We then worked closely with the staff team to identify strategic priorities and identify opportunities for future development. These options were then prioritised and synthesised into a package-based business plan including operational proposals and financial tables. This was a Resilient Heritage project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
St Helen's Church, Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Work areas: activity planning, project development, interpretation planning
We worked with St Helen's Church to develop activity and interpretation plans for a Heritage Fund project. We also provided application development support. The project created a new community space and opened up the stories associated with the church to local and specialist audiences. The £800,000 bid was successful, and the new space is now open to the public.
Leicester Hebrew Congregation
Work areas: activity planning, consultation
We worked with Leicester Hebrew Congregation to develop a feasibility study and activity plan to support a Heritage Fund application for their Grade II listed synagogue. The synagogue is located in a multicultural area and a large element of the project was to open up the congregation's relationships with groups of other faiths and the wider community.
The feasibility study established a vision for the facility and developed the preferred option, exploring the financial and operational implications. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the project leads and the congregation through meetings, site visits and consultation. This enabled us to develop an agreed level of public access to the building and appropriate heritage activities. We used examples from Jewish Museums and other Jewish organisations in the country to learn lessons and address security concerns.
The feasibility study established a vision for the facility. We ran a workshop which reviewed all of the options for the delivery of the services. The study developed the preferred option and looked at the financial and service implications.
St John the Baptist, Dronfield
Work areas: project development
We supported the Parish Church Council to develop a Heritage Fund bid to undertake urgent repairs, create new community space and increase access to the church's heritage for new audiences.
St Mary's Church, Atherstone
Work areas: activity planning
We worked with the church to develop an Activity Statement which would raise awareness of the church and the town's local heritage as well as restoring the roof. Our work supported aims to transform the church into a community hub and much needed public space.
Cossington Church, Leicestershire
Work areas: project development
We worked with the church team to develop their approach and costings for a development phase Heritage Fund bid.
St Helena's Church, Thoroton
Work areas: activity planning
We worked with this small parish church to create an Activity Statement. Our work focused on exploring partnerships and finding ways to open up the church to local people in visitors, with a particular emphasis on the church bells. The project involved working closely with church volunteers and members of the congregation.
The Cathedral Church of St Marie's, Sheffield
Work areas: interpretation planning, activity planning
We worked with St Marie's on their successful Heritage Fund application for the Lewis Organ Restoration project. The funding restored the church's hidden treasures, including the wonderful 1875 organ and beautiful Victorian tiling. We worked closely with the church community and diocese staff to create an activity plan and interpretation framework which focused on welcoming more people and more diverse audiences into the church while respecting its use as a busy city centre place of worship. The interpretation proposals were developed in collaboration with design consultancy Mather & Co.