Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust (NHBT) is delighted to announce that it has secured a substantial development grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF). This will enable NHBT to start detailed planning and fundraising for the second and final phase of the repair and repurposing of Becket’s Chapel in the centre of Wymondham, Norfolk. Becket’s Chapel is Grade 1 listed and is currently on the national ‘heritage at risk’ register.

NHBT has already secured in excess of £700,000 grant funding from a range of sources including Historic England, the Architectural Heritage Fund and Norwich Freemen’s Charity. This enabled the Trust to embark on the first phase of major repairs to the fabric and upgrade the services and facilities in the building. This phase, due to be completed in early June 2023, included full retrofit analysis of the chapel. It also incorporates sustainable services, insulation and other measures to support the drive to Net Zero, reducing carbon emissions.

The plans for the second phase will build upon these initiatives, incorporating ground or air source heating and solar panels into a proposed modern extension to achieve sustainable year-round use of the whole building. It will also include an upgrade of the annex with accessible facilities, storage and when combined with the new extension, room for a café and welcome desk/Visitor Information Point, designed to attract visitors to Wymondham town centre.

Laura Williams of the Architectural Heritage Fund said: “The medieval Becket’s Chapel is such an important building, not just for Wymondham but for the nation. The work being led by Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust will secure its future and provide a special place for local people and visitors to use and enjoy all year round. We are proud to be supporting the next development phase with this grant, building on the funding we have awarded over the past five years”.

Judith Harwood NHBT Chair said, “We are delighted by AHF’s continued and substantial support for our project. AHF is unique in providing early-stage funding to enable business case analysis, detailed plans and costs to be determined. Without their support it is unlikely this project would have got off the ground. We now have the real prospect of bringing to fruition our long-held vision for this remarkable building.”

More information, including photos of the current work in progress and a full list of grant providers is available at www.nhbt.org.uk