Buildings Regeneration Programme / Ongoing work
The St Laurence Regeneration Programme consists of projects, large and small, to restore and improve the buildings and churchyards of the St Laurence Site. Our Buildings Regeneration Group was formed in 2021 to oversee these projects and would welcome new members with relevant skills and experience.
The main focus is on the church building, which is Grade II* Listed and since 2024 has been on the national Heritage at Risk Register, which states: “The roofs now have rusted tile fixings [meaning that tiles are slipping off], the rainwater goods are rusting and failed, the stonework is eroded and the stained glass windows need urgent repair.” To that we could add that some roof timbers have rotted, and parts of the north side are subsiding.
In October 2025 we were delighted we were delighted to be able to announce the success of our bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the first phase of a major project (called “St Laurence Restored: Protecting Stroud’s Historic Heart”) to save the church and make it no longer Heritage at Risk. Our press release announcing this news is here.
Vision for Buildings Regeneration
Our Vision for the regenerated St Laurence Site (as it will be when all envisaged projects are complete) was first set out in January 2024 and the latest version (October 2025) is as follows:
The social and cultural infrastructure of the St Laurence Site – including internal and external spaces, the organ and bells – is physically accessible, effectively used and appreciated by all.
- The church and its surroundings are repaired and revitalised, their heritage reinterpreted, and they are a source of pride for Stroud people for the next century.
- The church and the secluded semi-wild northern churchyard are open and welcoming as:
- sacred spaces for reflection, sanctuary and solace;
- resources to deepen understanding of the origins of Stroud and its historic buildings; and
- resources to broaden appreciation of faith traditions, Christian and beyond.
- People find it easy to access and join in creating activities that support inclusion, reduce isolation and counter polarisation.
- The St Laurence Rooms facilities (Shambles Hall and The Upper Room) support the ongoing cultural and spiritual life of the combined site, particularly through revenue generation.
Work towards this vision really got started in 2014 with the removal of the pews from the church, enabling the flourishing of diverse activities that we have seen since then.
