St Andrews Church in Kettering is set to reopen its doors as both a vibrant town centre church and an arts venue after a huge redevelopment project.
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The Church, which has a thriving congregation doubles as an arts venue for the town and has hosted comedy stars James Acaster, Rosie Jones and Jack Dee as well as the Reverend Richard Coles, who has recently become a Patron of the Arts Centre.
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Richard, who was born in Kettering and was baptised at St Andrews, agreed to become its Patron after performing there on his recent book tour in June 2023.
The major redevelopment has included a brand new parquet floor, seating, lighting and AV equipment along with underfloor heating. This will enable the church to host events in the winter months which had previously been impossible due to the chilly nature of the church building, and crucially helps them meet their environmental targets.
A boiler that adapts to the natural temperature, energy efficient lighting and heating are just the beginning of the adaptation of the building to meet net zero targets, with plans in place to connect the new boiler to a ground source heat pump.
Accessibility has also been a key part of the rebuild, with a fully accessible dais meaning all Clergy can preside from the platform, as well those attending the venue to perform.
Revd Tom Houston, Vicar of St Andrews, has been thrilled with the transformation and what it will mean for the church’s future. ‘Since Covid we have focused on access and inclusivity for our local community, putting on concerts with local music schools, installations from local art groups and championing local performers. We are starting to see congregation growth through this community engagement which is what is at the core of our presence here.’
Tom is also keen to highlight the work of the Church Redevelopment Group who have worked tirelessly for more than 4 years alongside Charity fundraisers Chell Perkins to raise the funds for the renovation; ‘I would recommend using professional fundraisers to anyone in a similar position, it turns the maybe into the definitely achievable’.
The finalisation of the building project was celebrated this weekend at a special service where the building work was blessed by Bishop Debbie. She said, ‘When our churches seek to be relevant to our communities we naturally become welcoming spaces where the love of Jesus can be shared. With this restoration project, St Andrews is now more able to engage with the people of Kettering through the arts and through joy and laughter. I am delighted that this will enable St Andrews to continue to be the heart of the community for long into the future.’
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The total amount for the project was £440,000.
With grateful thanks to our sponsors and supporters:
The FCC Foundation
The Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Constance Travis Trust
The Garfield Weston Foundation
The National Lottery
The Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust
The Sabina Sutherland Trust
The John Warren Foundation
The IM Foulerton Trust
The Benham Charitable Trust