St Mary's Church in Stockport town centre - one of the oldest landmarks in Stockport - has secured a £343,234 grant to help pay for urgent repairs.

The Grade I listed church will receive the grant from the National Heritage Lottery fund, to help 'safeguard' the building for future generations.

The repairs project promises to make St Mary's more "welcoming, accessible, and sustainable", while preserving its history and original elements.

It also means the church can continue its exciting programme of events in the near future, with gigs, food festivals, self-guided tours, and even heritage escape rooms.

Revd Chris Blunt, Rector of Stockport and Brinnington 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.

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

Although most of what we see of St Mary's today dates from the 19th century, there has been a church on site since 1190 (Image - Nub News)

Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, also 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."

Peter Breeden, Project Lead for 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."

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