Union Chapel has produced a new film showcasing the transformation of its historic, listed Sunday School Hall, as part of the Sunday School Stories project dedicated to restoring and reopening this important heritage community building in Islington to meet modern audience expectations. The delivery of the project, which began in July 2024, is supported by a £2.28 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, along with a contribution to the accessibility works from City Bridge Foundation, London’s largest independent charity funder, and others.
The short film highlights the main renovation works of a rare example of the Akron plan and offers a preview of repairs and free heritage activities that can be viewed here. Since filming, renovation efforts have advanced considerably, marking an important step towards reopening the building and making Union Chapel’s rare collection of Nonconformist and social justice legacy available in a vibrant and sustainable community and cultural hub.
Once completed, the works will not only reopen the 220-capacity space to the public but will also lead to a 68% reduction in energy consumption in the Sunday School Hall. This will be achieved by installing thermal insulation in the floor and roof, underfloor heating, secondary glazing, sensor light switches, and LED lights throughout. This is a significant achievement and a step forward in Union Chapel’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
The renovation will safeguard the Grade II* listed Sunday School building, adjacent to the renowned Union Chapel on Compton Terrace, which is one of the few remaining Akron plan Sunday School halls in the UK. Works include repairs to external stone and brickwork, new roof covering, improved thermal efficiency, full accessibility enhancements, complete retrofit of electrical, heating and ventilation systems, lighting installation, and major improvements to the fire prevention system, ensuring the building’s unique architecture and community significance are preserved for future generations.
Once completed, the restored Sunday School Hall will host workshops, exhibitions, acoustic performances, heritage events, and local meetings, expanding Union Chapel’s cultural and community programme, as well as housing Union Chapel’s 200+ year archive of Nonconformist Christian music, social justice, education and local history.
“This is a hugely exciting moment for Union Chapel and our local community,” said Cristina Carrasco, Participation Manager of the Sunday School Stories Project. “The Sunday School has been part of Islington’s story for almost 150 years, and we’re thrilled to see it revitalised as a space for our community.”
Tom Linton-Smith, Union Chapel Project Trustee and Chair of the Infrastructure Working Group, says, “This project is a fantastic example of how heritage and sustainability can go hand in hand. We’re not only preserving a rare and beautiful building but also setting a benchmark for how historic spaces can be adapted to be more comfortable, flexible and inclusive, and address the environmental challenges of today. There are so many exciting opportunities the space will be able to offer to our communities now and for many years to come. We’re incredibly grateful to our funders and to the skilled and dedicated team making this transformation possible.”
Renovation works are being undertaken by Fullers Builders Ltd on behalf of Union Chapel Project. The leading consultant is Burrell Foley Fischer Architects.
Union Chapel’s Sunday School Stories project has been made possible thanks to the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, City Bridge Foundation, The Clothworkers’ Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Benefact Trust, National Churches Trust, The Rose Foundation, Friends of Union Chapel, Islington Archaeology & History Society, and individual supporters.
