St Wilfrid’s Church in Lancashire receives funding for restoration project

St Wilfrid’s Church in Standish, Wigan, has been awarded £614,000 in initial funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The grant supports the development phase of the church’s “Vision 450” project, which aims to restore its historic Elizabethan oak ceiling and modernize facilities to better serve the local community.

As the only Grade I listed church in the borough of Wigan, the building is recognized for its architectural significance, featuring a 130-foot spire and a structure largely rebuilt in the 1580s. The current funding will allow the church to prepare detailed proposals for a potential £3.9 million grant, which remains subject to further assessment.

Beyond structural conservation, the project seeks to improve accessibility and create flexible spaces for public engagement. Rector Andrew Holliday described the grant as a vital milestone in preserving the church’s heritage for future generations, noting that the project will involve collaboration with heritage specialists and local community organizations.