In 2017 the parish embarked upon an ambitious, three-phase project to transform the existing Crypt. At the time the area consisted of the Priests' Sacristy and vestment store, a 'catch all' storage area and a Day Chapel.
Plans were drawn up in conjunction with the parish architect Wood Goldstraw Yorath, to relocate the Sacristy to the ground level of the church, as a single room behind the altar reredos. The Sacristy and church are now on one level for ease of access. Work included partition walls, a new roof deck and fixed internal cupboard units installed between the outer walls and the back of the reredos. This contract was awarded to Croftshine Ltd and phase of the work started in May 2017 and was completed in June of that year. With the help of Wootton George Consulting, the parish secured an Awards for All Lottery grant to enable a feasibility study to be carried out as to the potential of the basement area being used as a community space. As a result finance was secured to enable phase 2 to commence. Grants were awarded by the City of Stoke on Trent Communities Fund. Staffordshire Historic Churches Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, the National Churches Trust and Allchurches Trust. A year on Croftshine were again asked to carry out Phase 2. This tranche of work including the gutting of a large part of the basement area and the creation of a modern, versatile meeting space, with a small kitchen area, built-in audio visual facilities and fully accessible toilet. This area is now virtually complete and is available for parish use and for bookings from outside groups. To come and look at the facilities we offer, or to make a booking, please email the parish. The final phase of the project will be to totally refurbish the Day Chapel. |
The Sacred Heart Tunstall is part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham Charity No. 234216
Privacy Notice |