Great Yarmouth Minster has successfully become a Net Zero Demonstrator Church, receiving a grant, specialist technical advice, and fundraising support for their ambitious net zero plans. They have also submitted a preliminary application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a large grant, which was successful. They are now preparing a bid for the Development Stage of the Project in order to target a substantial grant for their plans.
The overall plans for the Minster include net zero heating installation and insulation, greening the churchyard to promote biodiversity and community use, identifying and conserving ‘At Risk’ parts of the historic building, and internal improvements to welcome and nurture users of the Minster. This includes additional toilets, a new kitchen and welcome area, a glass entry porch, a community space, refurbished storage area, and improved seating. They also plan to engage the community through a programme of activities, which will require the appointment of a Community Engagement Officer.
They aim to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building throughout the year and use excess electricity generation to improve the sustainability of the church. The greening of the churchyard will include various biodiverse spaces, a pond area, and ‘heritage digital engagement’. They also plan to conserve ‘At Risk’ elements of the building, primarily in the tower area, to prevent the church from falling apart. Internal improvements will create a more welcoming space for visitors and enhance the overall experience of using the Minster.
For help with net zero advice, individuals can contact Ed Cotterill at [email protected], while assistance with eco church and biodiversity advice can be obtained from Barbara Bryant at [email protected]. The Great Yarmouth Minster is determined to move forward with their plans and secure the necessary funding to bring their ambitious project to fruition, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
