All Saints' Parish Church in Mackworth, Derbyshire, has received a £229,751 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore its historic tower and spire. The funding, which will contribute to the total restoration cost of £429,751, ensures the long-term survival of the Grade I listed building.
Fire and Restoration
The church was severely damaged by fire in December 2020 and is currently being rebuilt by insurance companies. While the tower and spire survived the blaze, centuries of weathering have left them in urgent need of repair. The main rebuilding work is ongoing, with the tower and spire restoration scheduled to begin in Spring 2027.
Community Resource
Once complete, the rebuilt church will serve as a vibrant community hub, offering a new, inclusive, and accessible space for residents of the growing area on the outskirts of Derby, which currently lacks any other community building. The grand reopening is planned for 2028 after all structural repairs are finished.
Additional Works and Heritage Project
The grant will also fund the restoration of the parish clock and bells, which will be safely returned to use. Alongside the physical repairs, a community history project will document the recovery of the 800-year-old church. Organisers will collect stories and memories from local people whose lives have been touched by the building.
Quote from Project Lead
Don McLure, Project Lead from All Saints' Church, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players vital repair conservation work will offer new opportunities to the local community and we will be able to enable local people to share their heritage more widely.”
