The Wilton Community Land Trust and Wilton Parochial Church Council have taken another step forward in their efforts to repurpose St Peter's Church, Fugglestone, through their collaborative initiative, the Wilton Sunrise Project.
This project recently secured initial National Lottery Heritage Fund funding for its pre-development phase, a crucial boost in transforming the historic building into a multi-use community hub.
The Wilton Sunrise Project emerged from consultations held in early 2023. These efforts included two successful open days at St Peter's, which drew over 50 attendees, and a community survey targeting local residents. The survey revealed strong support (84.5%) for repurposing the church into a community facility, with suggestions ranging from musical rehearsal space to children's activities and life ceremonies catering to faith and non-faith events.
St Peter's is at risk of falling into further disrepair due to the lack of regular religious services and basic amenities like heating and lighting. The project aims to preserve the church's role as a place of worship while transforming it into a vital community hub, especially for Wilton Hill, a nearby area with few amenities. The building's historical significance, including its connection to George Herbert, the famous poet and notable musician, enhances its potential as a cultural venue for music performances and other events.
The funding from the National Lottery will help the group explore the next stages of the Wilton Sunrise Project, ensuring that this important part of Wilton’s heritage can continue to serve the community while remaining open for public enjoyment and historical appreciation.
Neil Prigent, Chair, Wilton Community Land Trust, said, “Hearing the news of the funding that has now being agreed we can go ahead with our Public Meeting to inform the community of our progress and plans and importantly to further engage so that we can have various working groups focused on specific aspects of the project.
"We look forward to meeting everyone who has an interest in St Peters Church at our public meeting in the Michael Herbert Hall, Wilton on Saturday 2nd November 2024 10am, for a 10-30am start – 12 noon."
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