Holy Trinity Hastings secures £4.5 million grant for landmark restoration
Holy Trinity Hastings (HTH Church) has received a transformative £4.5 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, supported by an additional £420,000 from charitable trusts and local donors, to deliver the most ambitious restoration project in the area. The funding will save the Grade II* listed Gothic Revival church from the Heritage at Risk Register, restore its historic treasures, and open its doors wider than ever to the community.
Jerry Hocking, Heritage Lead at HTH Church, said: “This is an irreplaceable part of our town’s history. Thanks to National Lottery players and our generous supporters, we can transform the church into a vibrant, inclusive community space for everyone across Hastings, and further afield, to enjoy."
The project will carry out urgent repairs to sandstone walls, stained glass windows, and rainwater systems, restore the intricate War Memorial, and preserve the church’s story through a bespoke heritage interpretation display.
Simon Larkin, Vicar of HTH, highlighted the wider impact: “This is hugely important in the life of our church and community and will make a lasting difference to our town. Over recent years, HTH Church community has grown to be a significant player in the heart of Hastings, supporting and impacting hundreds of people, including many of the most marginalised and vulnerable. We are so thankful for this grant, which will restore the church building and enable thousands more to access its extraordinary heritage and story. This church, once at risk of closure, is now fully alive and a place of hope and inspiration for so many. This grant is a wonderful endorsement of all the brilliant work our teams are doing to serve this amazing town, and we are delighted that thousands more will be part of this ongoing story.”
The restoration will also create a dynamic community hub with upgraded facilities, improved access, and a programme of 167 annual activities, including conservation sessions, creative workshops, school projects, and and a whole host of open days.
Special emphasis will be placed on engaging people who may not usually access heritage activities, ensuring everyone can explore and celebrate local history. Over 200 volunteers will gain valuable skills, while local creatives will have new opportunities to showcase their work.
The project is expected to boost visitor numbers to around 7,600 annually.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “This once-in-a-generation restoration will secure the future of HTH Church while transforming it into a vibrant hub that celebrates its remarkable heritage and the community it serves. The impact will be felt across Hastings for generations to come.”