It is set to be transformed into a cultural as well as historical destinationThe St Mary’s Church clock tower

The future of the oldest church in Stockport and one of the town’s most famous buildings has been ‘safeguarded’ bosses say, thanks to lottery cash.

And there are now plans to transform it into a cultural as well as a religious and historical destination, including hosting gigs inside.

St Mary’s, on Churchgate overlooking the marketplace, has been part of the fabric of the town for centuries.

There is some evidence of a church on the site as far back as 1190. A sandstone church was built in the early 1300s, with parts of the area around the altar dating back to that time still remaining to this day.

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Most of the present-day Gothic-style church, is believed to have been built between 1813 to 1817. The building is in need of urgent repairs and is currently on Historic England’s ‘At risk’ register.

And they have now been given a grant of just over £343,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out the vital work. The development grant could lead to a total investment of to £2.5 million, according to Stockport Council.

The historic church overlooks the town’s booming marketplace(Image: Getty Images)

The town hall says the project will ‘safeguard St Mary’s for generations to come.’

There are plans for it to eventually provide guided tours and update the cafe, as well as hosting escape rooms, live gigs and food festivals. The council says it will make the space ‘more welcoming’ and ‘transform it into a vibrant community and cultural destination.’

Revd Chris Blunt, Rector of Stockport and Bennington and minister at St Mary’s, said: “For almost a thousand years, St Mary’s has been a place of Christian worship and service at the heart of Stockport.

“This generous grant secures the future of the building and helps us open it even more widely to our town today. We pray it will remain a place where people encounter God’s presence, discover the richness of our shared history, and find a warm welcome in the heart of the town.

The church is in need of vital repairs(Image: STE UGC)

“We look forward to inviting local people to be part of this journey and to help shape St Mary’s future together.”

The work will also help the church tackle environmental challenges, such as cutting its energy use and reducing its carbon footprint.

Peter Breeden, Project Lead for the St Mary’s development plans, added: “This grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund enables us to safeguard one of Stockport’s most significant historic buildings and to invite more people to connect with its story.

“Through careful conservation, new interpretation, and creative heritage experiences, we want St Mary’s to remain accessible, relevant and inspiring for generations to come.”

Bosses want to make it a cultural destination(Image: STE)

Coun Micheala Meikle, cabinet member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “St Mary’s is one of Stockport’s most important historic landmarks and a much-loved part of our town centre.

“The council is pleased they have received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and it will help ensure the church remains a welcoming place for the community.

“Alongside the council’s wider investment in the town centre, including the ongoing £7 million regeneration of the Underbanks, this funding underlines our commitment to making Stockport an even better place to live, work, and visit.

“We’re proud to support the project and look forward to seeing the church thrive for generations to come.”