Over Darwen St James has secured The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support for vital work to help save and restore the historic church building for the local community.

The funding will support assessment and planning work on the historic building and a programme of engagement that will ensure a role for local people at the heart of deciding the church’s future role in the community.

A place of worship has existed on the site of St James' church (off Winterton Road) since the 16th century, making it the oldest site of worship in Darwen.

Now St James' church has secured £93,400 support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to begin planning to save it and to create a sustainable future so it can meet the needs of the local community.

The community around St James' is one of the most deprived in the country, and residents in the area face many challenges to access local services, with few facilities on their doorstep.

For six years, the Church of England has been investing in the area through their Strategic Development Fund, which has enabled St James' to open a community centre and food club on Ash Grove.  This very significant investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will enable the parish to plan for a long term future. It will enable St James' to put in place what will be needed to secure the funding to see the church become an amazing resource for local residents, and provide more of what the local community need to live well.

There will be a series of events throughout 2025, which local residents, community groups and community stakeholders will be invited to attend, to have their say into what St James' should do, look like and be in the future.

Keep an eye out on St James' Facebook page where all events will be adivertised, as well as in the local press. It is important for as many people as possible to get involved and have their say.

This is the first step in an exciting five year project.

Rev Rebecca Roberts, Priest-in-Charge of Over Darwen St James, said “I am thrilled we have received this investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.  Three years ago when I arrived in Darwen I was asked if I saw a future for St James’ building.  My answer was a definite “yes!”, because I could see how much the community needed what it is now and what it can become in the future.  This is an exciting time for local residents!”

The funding for St James church comes just weeks after The National Lottery Heritage Fund launched a new Places of Worship initiative

• For further information, images and interviews please contact Rev Rebecca Roberts at St James Church on 07511 142197 or revrebecca@hotmail.com