Permission to make a formal offer of grant of up to £20,000 to the Rector of St. Mary’ Church towards the works to the exterior of the church.  All necessary additional information, including 3 tender documents, as required by the conditions of the grant, has been received.  This follows a letter issued to the Rector of St. Mary’s, stating an intention to offer a grant on receipt of this necessary additional information, on 21 December 2017.

The LBTH grant will contribute to the overall costs of the works to the exterior of the church, which is currently on the Heritage at Risk Register and will help to meet the church’s HLF match funding requirements.  The repairs will help to preserve a valued heritage asset and community facility.  A start date, albeit delayed, for works is imminent.

The Place Shaping Team Leader presented the report which concerned a contribution of £20,000 funding from the Historic Buildings Grant to St Mary and Holy Trinity Church (Bow Church) - ‘the church’.  In December 2016 Commissioners had informally agreed that a letter be sent to the Rector of the church stating the Council’s intentions to offer a grant in principle subject to the submission of all necessary documents including three tenders.  The remainder of the monies for repair works would be provided by Heritage Lottery Fund, the Grocer’s Company, the National Churches Fund, the Heritage of London Trust and the church’s own funds.

At the Chair’s invitation the comments of GSSC were received stating that the proposals were supported.  Members of the Sub-Committee noted the historical and community value of the church and that there had been practical issues around congestion which had delayed the works. Members also wished the Council’s contribution to the works to be clearly conveyed.

DECISION

1.     That the grant funding of £20,000 to the church as a contribution to vital repair works to the exterior of the tower be approved.

2.            That the issue of a formal offer of grant to the church be approved.

3.            That the Council’s contribution to the works be clearly publicised.