A church that faced the possibility of closure has obtained £50,000 for vital restoration work, with forecasts indicating visitor numbers could reach 7,600 each year – representing a threefold rise.
Holy Trinity Hastings, protected as a Grade II* listed building, is among many churches across Britain receiving assistance from the National Churches Trust as part of a significant distribution exceeding £800,000 intended to maintain British churches for ongoing use.
This £50,000 grant will commence a comprehensive preservation programme and bring the structure closer to being removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
The building currently appears on the Heritage at Risk register.
Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said the organization was delighted to help Holy Trinity Hastings carry out necessary repairs to their unique building. This would protect this important heritage while keeping the church functioning and serving the local community.
Holy Trinity is listed in poor condition and faces possible further decline because of extensively deteriorated stonework and damp issues.
Cracks have allowed water to penetrate, and two stained-glass windows remain fitted with protective boards to prevent additional damage.
Simon Larkin, vicar of Holy Trinity Hastings, described the funding as a crucial turning point for the congregation. The church, once threatened with shutting down, now thrives – providing optimism and inspiration to many. This grant marks significant advancement towards removing the church from the Heritage at Risk Register and greeting increased numbers of visitors to this remarkable structure.
The restoration plans include substantial work inside and outside, involving replacement of eroded stonework and renewal of roof coverings, gutters and drainage systems. The project aims to make the church watertight and protected from the elements.
The initiative also includes a volunteer programme to train local residents as guides and in other roles, allowing them to develop skills, improve their employment opportunities and connect with the wider community. The objective is creating a space where those without religious belief feel welcome and comfortable.
Holy Trinity was designed by Gothic Revival architect S.S. Teulon.
The venue hosts community activities including parent-and-toddler groups, youth confidence-building projects, support for Ukrainian refugees, a menopause assistance group and the Spear Project, which helps young people secure employment.
It opened in 1858 and is recognised for its unusual design and cathedral-like proportions.
In November 2025, the church received a £4.5 million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, together with £420,000 from charitable trusts and individual donors, for broader restoration work. That subsequent funding was designated for repairing sandstone walls, stained glass windows and rainwater systems, alongside improved accessibility, enhanced facilities and restoration of the church’s war memorial.
It also contains Edward Johnston’s illuminated missal and a notable war memorial featuring life-sized allegorical figures.