The remains of a medieval church and the green space that surrounds it will be preserved to help rekindle a sense of place in a community fractured by post-industrial development. Coupled with a new adjoining building, the site as a whole will provide a community space for education, exhibitions and music; studios which can nurture and encourage creativity and craftsmanship; a café and a small haven of greenery and wildlife which can be enjoyed by all. The neighbouring brickworks and local artists will work with pupils from nearby primary and SEND schools to design and make bricks to be incorporated in the old churchyard wall – ensuring that they and their families are closely linked with the project from the outset. Economic opportunities, health and well-being, sustainability and the kindling of aspirations are at the heart of this project.
The building work is now scheduled for early 2021, with the aim of opening the hub to the community in September 2021.
"The Council agreed to give a lead in backing this innovative project to save the Old Church as an asset for contemporary arts, creative and community activity. It is an important project within Swale’s wider heritage strategy and a flagship project for Murston and the surrounding area. It should make a real difference to the growing community of Murston and the wider town of Sittingbourne. It should be a catalyst for economic and social regeneration whilst safeguarding a much-loved heritage asset.” Swale’s Council Leader Roger Truelove
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