AMBITIOUS plans are forging ahead to make nearly £1-million of improvements to Tavistock’s parish church in the run up to its 700th anniversary in 2018.

Throughout the summer, church officers have been working with architects and professional advisors to prepare plans for St Eustachius’ Church for diocesan approval.

The plans include re-ordering parts of the church interior to improve people movement, re-opening access via the west end and tower and a new lych gate to welcome people in from West Street, new toilets and upgraded disabled facilities, a new galley, improvements to the children’s area and to St George’s Chapel and improvements to heating, lighting and sound systems.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is due to submit these plans for consideration next month.

At the same time it is also intended to undertake repairs to the vestry roof. These have already been identified in the quinquennial inspection and now require attention.

It is also hoped to provide a new, detached organ console and improve mobility of the choir stalls to give extra space for larger public events.

Costings are being prepared and a financial feasibility survey is currently being undertaken. It is anticipated that the proposed works will be phased in as funding becomes available.

In the parish magazine, the Very Rev Dr Christopher Hardwick said: ‘Much has happened over the summer months as we have consulted widely on our proposals and worked closely with our architect and other professional advisors to draw up plans. Following our consultations, it has been decided not to proceed with a west end gallery for the time being, but rather to wait to see how the proposed improvements influence the use of the church in the coming years.

‘A cost plan for all these works is presently being prepared. It should be possible to phase the proposed work in such a way that specific projects such as, for example, the lighting, sound, or north tower improvements can be dealt with as discrete, stand-alone projects.

‘I am delighted that a group has been formed to support the PCC and to oversee the project and the group is presently exploring the options for fundraising. The overall cost of the project is likely to be in the region of £1-million.’

Dr Hardwick said that alongside all these plans, much work was taking place to develop and extend the church’s mission and outreach within the community and a full calendar of events and new initiatives was being planned to celebrate the 700th anniversary.

He added: ‘At the heart of what we are seeking to do is extend our mission and ministry and to ensure that Tavistock parish church continues to be the very best centre of worship, prayer, musical excellence, mission and outreach, which we can provide at the heart of our community.

‘I am always happy to talk to anyone, or any group, about our plans.’