Church redevelopment: first phase nearly half complete
Work continues at a good pace on the first phase of the church redevelopment. We are just under half way into the programme and so far, things are largely going to plan.
We recently obtained two further grants. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has offered £16,000 – to help deal with higher-than-expected tenders on top of an original grant of £25,000, giving a total of £41,000. The National Churches Trust rejected an earlier bid for funding but encouraged us to re-apply, resulting in a £10,000 grant.
Thanks to these two grants the Kirk Session was able in December to instruct the contractor to install loft insulation at a cost of approximately £20,000. This was cut from the original contract when we had to make savings but we believe it’s an important investment – as most of the developed world moves towards low carbon energy, we expect fuel costs to increase for many years to come.
We are still waiting to hear about our final application to the Joseph Rank Trust but it is hoped that any funds received will be earmarked for Phase 1.
Total grants so far add up to £120,500 from eight donors:
- Baird Trust £5,000
- Benefact Trust £12,000
- Galloway Association of Glasgow £2,500
- Garfield Weston Foundation £20,000
- General Trustees of Church of Scotland £20,000
- Heritage Lottery Fund £41,000
- National Churches Trust £10,000
- National Lottery Community Fund £10,000
Phase 1 work includes an improved entrance area, toilets and a tea/coffee servery area – all under the main balcony – plus a glass screen to partition this area from the rest of the church. Toilets will be to modern standards, with new heaters, flooring and a ventilation system.
Parc Construction began work on 17 November 2025, with completion due in mid-March of this year. Meantime, services and other events are being held in the Church Hall.
Phase 2 involves de-carbonising our heating system by replacing the antiquated heating pipes with modern infra-red electric chandeliers. It also involves redeveloping the two areas under the side balconies and repositioning the central dais. A start date for Phase 2 will very much depend on our ability to raise the necessary funds.
Whilst the news about the additional grants is encouraging, there are still cost pressures on the project. With this in mind, if you feel able to contribute financially to the ongoing work of raising funds for this project, please contact the convenor of our Finance Team, Rev Graham Finch, on 01557 620123 or gsf231@gmail.com, speak to any Elder or the Minister, or contact the church office on 01557 330489 or office@kbtchurch.org.uk.
In this video, Graham offers a guided tour of the changes …
