The proposed Activity Programme includes a dementia-friendly oral history project, musical activities to bring the community together, a Secondary Education Pack and Continued Professional Development for heritage professionals, something for all ages and abilities, and all happening in this wonderful building.
Work so far has been phased in three projects under the Grants for Places of Worship Programme, restoring two-thirds of the roofs. However, concrete bursting from the Dome ring is putting previous HLF investment at serious risk, and water ingress threatening the historic fabric. During the last project, a large lump of concrete fell onto a repaired chapel roof, confirming urgency. Fortunately contractors were able to 'patch' repair onsite. This new project will cover the Sanctuary barrel roof with a membrane, repoint brickwork, restore steel windows and cast-iron rainwater goods treating the structural concrete problems, making the whole church safe and watertight.
Canon Amaury Montjean, Rector of the church is delighted. He said, “This is our biggest project yet. Please God, the next 18 months of careful planning will win us a main Heritage Grant to make all the roofs watertight, including the Dome!”
An architecturally ambitious basilica, built in 1933, Ss Peter, Paul and St Philomena’s dominates Wirral’s skyline, and was nicknamed ‘The Dome of Home’ by merchant seamen returning to Liverpool during The Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War.
“HLF encourage Activities to welcome more people to this church through heritage. It is open all day, every day, for everyone and the Activities help more people understand the church and enjoy the sanctuary provided here.”
Canon Montjean added, “This new project is going to be the best one yet! Last month, we won the prestigious Marsh Innovative Church Project Award 2018 for our WWII Audio Tour, showing how this church helped during difficult times. We will need three new positions for the new project, a Conservation Architect, Project Manager and Engagement Officer, so if anyone is interested…?”
The Audio Tour is part of an Education Pack for Primary Schools booked via emailing [email protected]. For more information about the new consultants posts, contact Canon Montjean on [email protected]. Closing date for applications is Friday 31st August with shortlisted candidates invited for interview on 12th September 2018.