Beverley Minster has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the ‘Destinations’ Project.
The project aims to save the heritage; support greater inclusion and participation, protect the environment and improve its organisational sustainability.
Development funding of £244,203 has been awarded to help Beverley Minster progress its plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £4.333m at a later date.
Match funding of some £1.4m for the full project has been secured from the Friends of Beverley Minster and Beverley Minster Old Fund.
The Two Churches One Town charity which has been actively supporting the Minster in this project has a fund-raising initiative in place to secure the balance of £500,000.
The Beverley Minster project will restore the east end of the building, including roof and masonry repairs, conservation of the medieval east window, and a potential collaboration with York Minster to support stone masonry training and heritage skills.
Externally, the east end grounds will be redeveloped into a biodiverse green space in partnership with Bishop Burton College.
Inside, visitor experiences will be enhanced through digital interpretation, virtual access, and improved catering with East Riding College.
Extended educational and engagement programmes with SEND schools, and care homes will include heritage crafts, history exploration, and wellbeing-focused activities.
A new events programme and upgraded lighting system will improve accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability.
Beverley Minster’s musical tradition will be expanded through outreach in schools, promoting creativity, confidence, and personal expression in children and young people through choral singing across diverse genres.
The Reverend Canon Jonathan Baker, vicar of Beverley Minster, said: “We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Thanks to National Lottery players we can develop our plans for vital conservation work, community outreach and provide a meaningful contribution to the tourism, economic development and visitor strategy of our area.”
Louise Sutherland, head of engagement, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support Beverley Minster with the initial phase of their ambitious restoration project.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, they can continue to develop their plans to safeguard the building and the many stories held within its walls for future generations.”
Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council is delighted to support this bid and extends heartfelt congratulations to the Minster for the success of this exciting project.
“As a prominent visitor attraction, the Minster plays a crucial role in bolstering the visitor economy of the East Riding.
“Its ongoing success significantly enhances the region’s economic vitality, drawing tourists and fostering local business growth.”
This project seeks to save priceless heritage and keep the building open for everyone, safe and free to visit. In the long term the project will secure the heritage in this key area for the next 150 years with fabric and timber repairs.
The cleaning, conservation and protective glazing of the great east window will protect and preserve the surviving glass of the medieval Minster.
Volunteers, local groups and schools will be able to take part in the project through events and training opportunities, allowing even more people to enjoy and play a part in Beverley’s heritage. Two key parts of the project are planned to protect the environment.
Replacement of the lighting system reducing energy consumption and works to the outside of the eastern end of the building to create a diverse and resilient planting scheme in partnership with Bishop Burton College.
The Minster will benefit from the knowledge and skills from their partnership with CSCC York University, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and East Riding of Yorkshire Council during the development phase of this initiative to strengthen collaboration and organisational sustainability.
The Minster will be running events throughout the project. Visit the website www.beverleyminster.org.uk for details.
