The UK’s first taskforce aiming to place historic churches at risk at the heart of community led regeneration has been formed by a partnership of national, public and church bodies, led by the Churches Conservation Trust.

The Regeneration Taskforce builds on the Churches Conservation Trust’s mission to save historic churches at risk by bringing them back into everyday community use. Examples range from circus schools to mental wellbeing centres.

The Regeneration Taskforce is a partnership between the Churches Conservation Trust, English Heritage, The Church of England, Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Development Trusts Association, Media Trust, Princes Regeneration Trust, Lankelly Chase Foundation, Rural Communities Commission and RBS Community Banking. Representatives from these organisations form the advisory group to the Taskforce.

The Regeneration Taskforce will support community groups seeking to use historic churches at risk. The Taskforce will:

Demonstrate how historic churches can lead the regeneration of urban and rural areas and renew communities, through practical projects that ensure the survival of the churches for future generations to enjoy.

Work with communities around the 340 historic churches owned by the Churches Conservation Trust that have the potential for new community use

Work with communities around historic parish churches at risk of closure and being brought into the care of the Trust to explore alternative community uses that keep the church in the heart of the community.

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage says: “Historic churches are core to our sense of national history and identity. Yet many face a fight for survival. That is why we are proud to be supporting the CCT Taskforce in their mission to help communities make the most of these important buildings.”

Community and other groups seeking support from the Regeneration Taskforce, should contact the Churches Conservation Trust’s Head Office on Tel: 020 7213 0660.