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Search the Public Notice PortalA NEW partner is being sought for a multi-million pound transformation of the city’s oldest church after a charity backed out.
Plans to repair and refurbish the former Holy Trinity Church, in Trinity Street, are set to be approved tonight in a committee meeting but now the council needs a new community partner.
The building which is being turned into a new community hub and venue space has been owned by Colchester Council since 1972 and the project costs have risen from £2.8million to £4.3million.
St Helena Hospice was named as a partner in the redevelopment last year but it has now been revealed the organisation is having to step away from the project due to sector-wide financial challenges.
It marks the second lead partner to leave the project after Community360 was dropped last year amid a Charity Commission investigation.
Kate Heslegrave, co-chief executive of St Helena Hospice, said: “We have revisited the financial priorities for St Helena Hospice since we were sadly forced to make a number of redundancies over the summer, along with making some changes to our services.
“This was predominantly the result of increased cost pressures outside of our control taking effect, largely caused by the Government’s autumn 2024 Budget.
“We would have loved to have been involved with the Holy Trinity Church project and were thinking about exciting ways we could use the historic space to support the work of St Helena once we had taken occupation in 2028.
“Withdrawing now is the right decision for St Helena before we spend any money on the project as we focus our energy on maintaining, strengthening and rebuilding our hospice services to be able to continue to support those people in our community who need us most.”
Initial community partner Community360 was dropped by the council amid a probe for potential conflicts of interest.
Read more here:
- Roof repairs begin as part of multi-million project to restore 11th-century church
- New floor with glass features proposed for Colchester's oldest church
- Colchester hospice confident to have its future secured despite financial pressures
- Colchester's St Helena Hospice celebrates 40 years of caring for the community
- New co-chief executives appointed by St Helena Hospice
Community360 had come under intense scrutiny after it emerged in February that year it had loaned its former chief executive, Tracy Rudling, £206,341.
It was also revealed that Godden and Rudling Building Services, a construction firm owned by Mrs Rudling’s husband, Gordon Rudling, received £257,263 from C360 between April 2018 and March 2023.
A Colchester Council spokesperson says the authority is appraising all options.
The scheme is supported by a development phase grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and other funders such as Historic England.
The aim is to restore the historic building, remove it from the Heritage at Risk register, and create a flexible space for community activities by 2027.
David King, leader of Colchester Council, said: “The hospice movement is having a tough time, so we understand why St Helena has decided to step back from the Holy Trinity Church project.
“The council remains determined to deliver this landmark project, to continue with the renewal of this great building, to open it up for use and visitors, and to continue the regeneration of our city centre.
“Last year, many organisations expressed interest, and we are positive Colchester’s oldest building has a great future.”
