A HISTORIC Liskeard church centre has been transformed from a damp and deteriorating building into a warm, energy-efficient community facility following a £760,000 refurbishment.

St Martin’s Church is preparing to celebrate the near-completion of the major project, which has taken around 12 months and has secured the future of its 160-year-old Church Centre.

The building had suffered significant problems with damp and rainwater entering the property, causing internal damage and raising concerns that parts of the hall could eventually become unusable.

The refurbishment has seen the building reroofed, insulation installed throughout and a range of measures introduced to dramatically improve its energy efficiency.

Project lead Mike Sturgess said the work had been urgently needed.

“With major damp throughout the building, and mould and fungi growing on the walls of one room, we had to tackle this problem urgently,” he said.

“Thanks to grant support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Church of England Net Zero Carbon team, other funders and some amazingly generous donations, we raised the funds needed for the project.

“What was a tired, cold and damp building is now a welcoming, warm, net zero carbon facility for the church and community alike.”

Among the biggest changes are the installation of 60 solar panels, providing 30kWh of capacity, alongside 40kWh of battery storage.

The former gas boiler and gas supply have been removed and replaced with a commercial air source heat pump, new radiators and plumbing.

The project has also included secondary double glazing, new insulation, repairs to the roof and chimneys, improvements to drainage and rainwater systems, and repairs to external doors.

Around 30 per cent of the original Delabole slates from the 160-year-old roof have been reused as part of the work. Fire safety has also been improved with a new alarm system and fireproofing to the plant room, while the building has been redecorated and fitted with new carpets and flooring.

The project has also retained a strong focus on the building’s heritage and wildlife.

A heritage display has been created showcasing its history as a National Board school, while Biblical sayings around the building have been cleaned and repainted.

Bat entrances have been added to the roof to create a ‘bat hotel’, alongside four external bat boxes and four swift nesting boxes.

The work has been funded through a combination of grants, church reserves, fundraising and donations, including a £251,255 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and £246,849 raised through donations and church fundraising.

The Church of England and Benefact Trust provided a further £86,000 through a Net Zero grant.

The Church Centre will now serve as a net-zero carbon demonstrator project for the Church of England, showcasing how older, energy-inefficient buildings can be transformed.

The refurbished hall and meeting rooms remain available for community hire.

A grand reopening will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 2pm, when the hall will be blessed and recommissioned by Bishop James Treasure, Bishop of St Germans.

All are welcome to attend and see the transformation for themselves.