Building renewal

Respond to our consultation: making our historic church fit for the needs of the future.

A church has stood on this site for 730 years. Generation by generation, its building has seen changes to match the needs of its people. Twelve years ago, we undertook phases one and two of a planned three-part building project to make the church more light and open. We are now consulting on the third phase of this work. This page lays out some proposals for this work, and provides the opportunity for you to give comments.

Our primary role is as a parish church, worshipping God and making Him known in our parish. This is expressed in our vision statement: “As Christians worshipping together in Bermondsey, we are seeking to live for the glory of God by following Jesus in the reality of God’s world.” This is summed up by the phrase: “Here for Good”. We seek to make that vision a reality through our physical presence as a church in Bermondsey, sharing the good news of God’s love; through our spiritual presence as a church gathered to offer glory and praise to God; and through our fruitful partnerships, building relationships in our parish including through the use of our building.

Why do we need new work? Our church is a wonderful but underused asset in the community, holding memories for successive generations of local people. Our desire is to create a welcoming space for worship and community activities, exuding light and warmth to the street in the heart of a diverse and growing community. By increasing its accessibility and flexibility, we can ensure a sustainable future for current and future generations of worshippers, residents and visitors. St Mary’s church is on the Historic England ‘At Risk’ register, and there are major essential works required to maintain the building; at the same time we want to take action to promote the following aims:

  • Flexibility – we wish to make it possible to make greater use of the nave, for visitors, events, and worship
  • Accessibility – we wish to remove barriers to use by all members and visitors, including by installing ramps and creating greater storage space
  • Transparency – we wish to create a warm, welcoming and open space
  • History and legacy – we wish to remember and honour the past through the creation of a museum area
  • Hospitality – we wish to expand our kitchen, toilets and reception areas, and improve our audio/visual systems
  • Opportunity – we wish to create a space that enhances the income generating opportunities of the church, and provides local employment opportunities and space for art exhibitions and musical performances.

Please consider the plans in the PDF below, and respond to our consultation using this link.

Download PDF: Building Renewal Proposals