CHURCH’S PRAYERS ANSWERED
A CHURCH shaken to its foundations by motorway traffic is no longer on the road to ruin.
Two years ago the Grade I listed Parish Church of St Anne in Denton was placed on an atrisk register.
Built in 1880 and a Victorian gothic architectural gem with a stunning interior the building’s future was put in jeopardy by the endless thunder of traffic from the nearby M67. Vibrations from the motorway caused settlement around the font and central nave walkway.
But thanks to a £220,000 grant from National Highways it is now on a sound footing.
Important improvements to safety and public access, as well conservation work have been done in partnership with Historic England.
National Highways project manager, Betty Wilson, explained: “We’re delighted to be working with St Anne’s Church and Historic England to improve safety and support and preserve Manchester’s heritage.
“In 2021, there were concerns raised by the Diocese of Manchester about the interior brickwork cracking and settlement cracks around the base of the font. Unfortunately, the church was becoming unsafe for the large community who use it, including St Anne’s Primary School across the road. We’re pleased we could provide funding to support the restoration of this important building, a piece of the area’s fascinating history.”
Historic England is the government’s adviser on the historic environment. The organisation, which champions the nation’s heritage, added St Anne’s Church to the Heritage at Risk Register in April 2022. At the time it said the interior of the church “projects creativity, individuality, and opulence” and is rich in fine craftmanship in glass, iron, stone, and ceramics.
To protect the structure and develop a scheme to make it safe and accessible, National Highways awarded three grants totalling £223,301 for feasibility, design and construction. The money was granted through the Designated Funds Environment and Wellbeing Fund Plan, which includes a Cultural Heritage Fund. This fund aims to ensure the historic environment surrounding National Highways’ network is considered and protected at every stage.
Historic England has worked alongside National Highways since November 2020 to survey the church, advise on design works and monitor the delivery of the project to restore the church building.
Parish priest Father Jules Mambu said: “National Highways’ grant will have a huge impact for both the church and the local community. We really appreciate the generosity and the commitment for helping us to achieve our goals.”