St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter gets £944,000 to save its roof

St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter has been awarded £944,012 to restore its leaking roof, securing the future of one of Birmingham's most cherished historic buildings.

The Grade I listed Georgian church has been on Historic England's at-risk register since 2021, when its roof was found to be no longer watertight. The grant, announced on Thursday, comes from the government's Places of Worship Renewal Fund, run by Historic England.

Raise the Roof

The money follows a fundraising campaign led by the local community. Since 2023 the Raise the Roof campaign, backed by volunteers, church members and Jewellery Quarter businesses, has raised £230,000. Efforts included a 200-mile cycle ride by the vicar, the Revd David Tomlinson, a summer fete, a whisky tasting evening and a community film screening.

"This generous grant, together with the funds raised by our incredible local community, will preserve our iconic, historic and beautiful building for this and future generations," Mr Tomlinson said.

"So many local people and businesses supported our fundraising efforts over the last few years, even when it seemed daunting. Without your generosity, encouragement and belief in this project, we would not be celebrating today."

Jilly Cosgrove, managing director of the Jewellery Quarter marketing agency Barques and a founding member of the campaign, said: "This grant is a fantastic outcome and demonstrates what's possible when a community comes together."

The work

Work is expected to start in January 2027, with extensive repairs to lead gutters, slate roofs, stonework and windows. The project will also help the church cut its energy use and work towards net zero carbon by 2030. The church will stay open throughout.

Students from University College Birmingham and members of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists will be involved, and Birmingham City University students will design a commemorative piece of jewellery to mark the restoration.

A Georgian survivor

St Paul's is the only surviving Georgian church in Birmingham set within a Georgian square. It has stood for more than 250 years, and its last major restoration was after the Second World War. Matthew Boulton and James Watt are among those who once worshipped there.

The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Volland, said: "This wonderful news means that St Paul's church, a cherished place of worship and community, will be saved for future generations."

Cathedral funding too

Historic England also announced that St Philip's Cathedral has been awarded £377,185 towards major work to stop further deterioration of its tower and dome.

Both buildings are among the city's best-loved landmarks. St Paul's Square, with its lawns and Georgian terraces, is a popular spot for office workers, residents and visitors, and the church regularly hosts concerts and community events alongside its services.