Feasibility study reveals millions of pounds of work needed to repair Exeter churches

At the end of 2012 the congregations of St Thomas, St Andrew and Emmanuel churches in West Exe commissioned a feasibility study to make recommendations about the future of their buildings.

The congregations of the churches, numbering around 100 dedicated people, want to concentrate their attention on working in the wider community to care for the spiritual and pastoral needs of people rather than putting all their limited resources into the upkeep of their buildings.

Trevor Gardner Associates, who carried out the study, were asked to look at the repairs needed to the churches and how viable they are and to consult with all of the stakeholders inside and outside the churches, including churches, shops and local businesses and schools. 

The report has now come back and revealed major concerns about St Thomas’ in particular, with repairs needed likely to cost at least £1.5 million. It also suggests that raising anything like this sum of money is likely to be extremely difficult.

The report says: “There is an urgent need to take decisive action. The financial problems facing the Benefice will not go away and commitment to sustaining the three churches is unsustainable.”

The problem at St Thomas is caused largely by the nineteenth century prefabricated ’sham’ construction of the east end which is at odds with the older structure of the nave and is deteriorating – a problem identified and reported in largely the same terms in the Exeter Gazette as far back as 1903.

However, this is not just about refurbishment, as expenditure on this scale needs to have a concrete outcome in terms of providing resources for the benefit of the community if it is to be justified. To turn St Thomas’ into a church which is properly fit for use by the community would mean a much bigger project re-ordering the building, costing  around £3 million. While the congregations are not ruling this out, there is no immediate prospect of being able to do so and time is running out.

Major problems at St Thomas’ are  compounded by the need for major repairs at Emmanuel Church and the need to refurbish St Andrew’s, the most modern of the three buildings alongside the more challenging question of how best to continue to provide for the spiritual and pastoral needs of the area as the church has done for more than 750 years.

The Rector, Revd Nick Edwards, said: “We are deeply aware of the significance of St Thomas, a church which has given its name to a community and which has played an important role in the lives of families for generations. For this reason we are also looking at alternatives for the building which might ensure its continued existence and use but not necessarily in our care.

“As Christians, we are called to serve our neighbours and not work only to repair buildings. The congregations at our churches have been very faithful but the burdens are becoming too much to bear.

“At this stage no decisions have been made although all the options are being considered. We want as many people as possible to be involved in the consultation and will be organising a public meeting shortly.”