In December 2017 St Alfege Church received a confirmed grant of £1,836,800 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for the Heart of Greenwich, Place and People project, thanks to National Lottery players. The project aims to reinforce the church’s position as a heritage asset at the heart of Greenwich, reveal and interpret our hidden spaces and heritage for visitors, school children, their families and a diverse local community. Vital repairs to the fabric have brought to light the splendid work of Nicholas Hawksmoor, along with improved access to and facilities in the church.Working with the University of Greenwich, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and schools, we are giving students practical experience, recruited and trained volunteer Heritage Ambassadors and will provide a programme of heritage focused activities. The project includes:• cleaning, conservation and lighting of the north and south elevations, repairs to roof - NOW COMPLETE• a new access ramp and creation of a new entrance visible from the street - NOW COMPLETE• two wheelchair accessible toilets - NOW COMPLETE• landscaping and a community memorial garden - May 2020 to September 2021 - Thanks to The Veolia Environment Trust• immersive events in the crypt for schools - STARTING LATER THIS YEAR• other heritage related events and lectures - STARTING LATER THIS YEAR DEPENDING ON COVID-19• an increase in the number and training of volunteers. IN HAND
