St Mary's revamp underway

A bright spot on the horizon for Ashford’s art scene is the refurbishment of St Mary’s Church – the town’s oldest church and premier arts venue.

The Arts at St Mary’s project will create a more flexible performance space in the nave suitable for a diverse programme of music, drama and arts events for up to 350 people thanks to £1.2m growth area funding to dramatically improve its facilities.

The project was also awarded European Union funding, through the Green Renovation Cluster programme (Greenov), to install a rainwater harvesting system and a ground source heat pump to increase the building’s energy and water efficiency and reduce its carbon emissions.

The nave pews have been removed and work has started on the vestry modifications to create a dual purpose area for use by the church and arts performers.

Installation of the ground source heat pump in the churchyard is underway and the new under floor heating system will be fitted in January.

All Christmas services will be taking place in the church hall while the works is taking place.

On December 19th, a nativity play will be held in the hall from 10am with carols being sung from 6.30pm.

Christmas Day services will take place at 8am and 10am while the regular Sunday service on Boxing Day will take place at the same time.

The £1.7m project will be completed in summer 2011.

For more information visit the St Mary's Church web page.