Lottery lifeline for church at risk of collapse

St Peters and All Souls Church on Geneva Street needs £2m for a full restoration

A Grade II listed city church at risk of collapse faced a more "hopeful" future after it received £218,000 from the National Lottery towards renovations.

St Peter and All Souls Roman Catholic Church in Geneva Street, Peterborough, had suffered from serious structural and subsidence issues for decades and was placed on Historic England's 'Heritage at Risk' register.

The full restoration and stabilisation works needed were expected to cost more than £2m, with the parish council so far raising nearly a quarter of the required funds.

Parish priest, Father Karol Porczak, said the lottery money was "a vital step forward" for the church, which was not just a building, but the heart of the community.

'Moment of hope'

The church, which was built between 1895 and 1904, was being supported with temporary external scaffolding ahead of restoration work.

The lottery grant will fund the next phase of the project, including the appointment of specialist consultants to develop a detailed restoration plan and move the project towards delivery. It was hoped work would start in 2026.

Father Porczak added: "This church is not just a building – it is the heart of our community and a place where generations have come together in faith, celebration, and support.

"This is a moment of hope for us and for the city."

Matthew Champion, heritage officer for the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia, said: "St Peter and All Souls is a fantastic building in the heart of the city that represents a significant part of Peterborough's heritage, as well as acting as a centre for the vibrant local community.

"The parish has worked tirelessly for many years to plan and raise funds to undertake the much-needed repairs to this cherished building, and we are all very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting us in our hour of need."

Angelo Cuenca, parish council chairman, said: "We may have come from different nationalities, cultures and speak a range of languages, but under this one roof we express a universal Catholic faith in praise and prayer.

"We would love for future generations to have what we have, a place of worship."