Over the past 900 years, Wadhurst’s Grade 1 listed church has regularly changed. Alterations were made to meet the needs of the then current generation and the anticipated needs of the generations to come. Aisles, galleries, vestries and toilet facilities have been added; the floor has been raised - and lowered - several times; seating arrangements have altered more than 5 times in the past 400 years, and the organ has seen at least 3 different locations. Doors and windows have been opened up and also blocked … and all of this to meet the needs of the community and the role the building played in village life at the time.
The present heating solution in the church was installed in the mid 19th century. It was updated in 1927 and again in the 1970s. Wadhurst Church is now undertaking a further exciting project to upgrade the heating system and ensure the church can be a warm and welcoming space for all.
As anyone who has attended recent concerts or church services must be well aware, the church’s Victorian pipes have been leaking and the outdated gas central heating is due an urgent upgrade.
To undertake this as effectively and sustainably as possible, the church’s governing body of trustees (The Parochial Church Council or PCC) is planning to install air source heat pumps and a modern, sustainable, underfloor heating system.
The construction work required to replace Victorian pipework underneath the church floor will also provide opportunities to enhance the heritage of the 900-year-old Grade I listed building, whilst also ensuring the church can be better accessed and enjoyed by the entire community.
These opportunities include reopening the North Door, and restoring the floor of the nave to its original level. This would allow unattended wheelchair access into the church from the churchyard, and within the nave and chancel, for the first time in 200 years! The works will also provide an opportunity to replace the pine Victorian pews (which are nearing the end of their serviceable life) with comfortable, moveable and stackable oak alternatives.
An extensive survey of local residents and church users found that 96% of participants supported the proposed heating upgrades. The community also shared 183 suggestions on how a warm, eco-friendly church could be used, ranging from concerts and theatre performances to craft events, and activities for all age groups. An impressive 87% believed these improvements would make the church an attractive space for the community.
A team of specialists, including heating and acoustic engineers, structural and heritage advisors, ecologists, architects and surveyors has worked with the PCC to ensure the proposed plans respect the Grade I listed status of the building while making it more functional and sustainable for the future.
A planning application has been submitted to Wealden District Council for the external works. A Faculty is being finalised to request approval for the internal works from Chichester Diocese. These approvals will allow the church to continue its mission to serve the local community and create a vibrant space for worship and community life.
For anyone wanting to find out more about this exciting project, please contact [email protected]