Derelict church may be restored as community space

St Peter's, known as the black church, is on Whitehart Street in the centre of Thetford

A town centre's derelict 14th Century church could be restored and become a community venue.

St Peter's Church - known locally as "the black church" after its distinctive chequerboard exterior created with flint - is one of three remaining medieval churches in Thetford, Norfolk.

It has fallen into despair, with the town council bidding for £2.1m in funding so the Grade II-listed building can reopen to the public.

"We want to make it a community space, which is something churches have always been," said Annie Blackbourn, chair of the heritage and events committee at Thetford Town Council.

She added: "St Peter's has been part of the town since 14th Century but been left abandoned and unused for decades, and in a state of disrepair.

"It needs conservation to the roof - it' s got death watch beetle, which is in a lot of old buildings.

"It needs fire safety regulations and new accessible ramps to make it more usable.

"I have been and it's not falling down around our ears, but making it useful for the community will need a considerable amount of work and renovation."

The church has not been open to the public for six years

St Peter's is on the site of a former Saxon church which is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church was enlarged in the 15th Century and in 1789 the west tower was rebuilt and bells and stained glass added.

It ceased to be a place of worship in 2007, was sold to the council in 2009 and closed 10 years later.

The council said its application for £2,138,645 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund would be submitted in November and it would contribute 16% of the total cost, which currently stands at £407,355.

If successful in its bid, the church could host community groups, exhibitions and training for heritage skills by the end of 2026, Ms Blackbourn said.