St James’s Piccadilly has today announced a £4.75million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support its transformational Wren Project. This is a significant boost for the £24million project that will reimagine the Christopher Wren church for the modern day. Alongside restoring the building and surroundings, the project will generate transformational opportunities for volunteers and communities in London and beyond, as we launch a young leaders Changemaker Programme to inspire positive and lasting change. Protecting nature and driving environmental sustainability are core to the project, as they are to St James’s Piccadilly’s ongoing work.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1684, the Grade I listed church stands in the heart of Westminster and remains one of the architect’s most admired works, imitated across the world. The Wren Project will rejuvenate the entire site, from the church and its courtyard to its gardens, bringing them into use in a way fitting for the 21st century and opening up access for all.
The physical transformation will conserve the church’s historic fabric while creating new community spaces. New entrances and arches will improve accessibility and connectivity across the buildings, including the reinstatement of elements of Wren’s original vision, such as the south door.
The fully re-landscaped gardens will ensure that all areas are accessible to everyone without having to ask for help and will be planted to support biodiversity, helping nature flourish in this busy part of the city.
A substantial public and community programme will accompany the redevelopment, including a digital archive, hard-hat tours and Peaceful Piccadilly, an initiative offering after-hours access for moments of calm amid the bustle of Piccadilly’s nightlife. A new organ will be built for the currently empty Grinling Gibbons organ case, alongside a ten-year music scholarship programme to support young musicians.
At the heart of the project is the Changemaker Programme, an innovative and imaginative scheme, supported by the Rothschild Foundation, which is designed to develop young leaders who are committed to positive social change. Over the next 10 years it aims to:
Empower 50 young leaders aged between 22-34 in music, environment, civil society, business and the arts to imagine a different future and act to realise it
Equip participants with values-led leadership skills to become effective champions of change
Develop their skills and networks to maximise their impact
Deepen their understanding of how interconnectedness drives social transformation
Prepare young leaders to navigate the challenges and responsibilities of being change champions
Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James’s Church, Piccadilly said: “As custodians of this living heritage, we believe in the Wren Project because it is bigger than us. This project transforms the physical building which in turn is a catalyst for the transformation of our outreach projects, creative and music programming and the development of inclusive communities. We believe our church building, courtyard and garden are public sacred space for everyone, from all faiths and none. We are very grateful to the Heritage Fund for helping us embed these values for generations to come.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support the transformational Wren project at St James’s Piccadilly. This remarkable church is not only an architectural treasure but a vital community space in the heart of London. The project’s focus on opening up access, enhancing green space and investing in young leaders will ensure that St James’s continues to inspire and support people for generations to come. We’re proud to help safeguard its heritage while enabling new ideas, creativity and community activity to flourish.”
St James’s Piccadilly is among more than 225 places of worship projects awarded over £145m in the past two years by the Heritage Fund, thanks to refreshed focus on places of worship. The initiative is helping to tackle some of the key challenges facing places of worship today, working towards a brighter and more sustainable future for some of the UK’s oldest and most cherished historic buildings.
