Fakenham Parish Church starts work on entrance project

Fakenham Parish Church has announced that work has started on its new entrance.

The project will help make the building more accessible thanks to improvements at the entrance, with the installation of an automatic glass door which will feature a design commissioned by Norfolk artist Teucer Wilson and the installation of a purpose-built ramp and steps.

Fakenham Parish Church has announced that work has started on its new entrance on January 8 (Image: Fakenham Parish Church)

The back three rows of pews will be removed to open up space, and the floor will be levelled to make it safer for everyone.

Reverend Tracy Jessop said: “This project has been a long time in planning and a long-held aspiration for many people in the church that we can make it much more accessible, and thus making it much more welcoming.

“The project is a three-stage programme which will include removing the three back rows of pews to give us more flexibility in events and the space we have. Our Thursday cafe, for example, with this change can make it more of a community space.

The Reverand Tracy Jessop at Fakenham Parish Church (Image: All rights reserved.www.keithosbornphotography.co.uk)

“The church building needs to be used, it is not just for Sundays, we want to make it available for a lot more people.“

The church is fundraising £125,000 to match fund a legacy left by Doug Flegg.

For now, the church can only be accessed through the north door which is sign-posted.

Fakenham Parish Church has announced that work has started on its new entrance on January 8 (Image: Fakenham Parish Church)

The building currently has no heating so anyone going is advised to wrap up warm and also to keep an eye on the church's social media channel for any adjustments to its programme.

The work will be carried out by Norfolk-based firm, King & Company.

The church has promised regular updates with the first stage scheduled to take nine weeks - plans are on display at the church.