- St Matthew’s Church in Cambridge receives £250,000 grant from National Lottery Heritage Fund for urgent roof repairs.
- Leaking roof threatened 12th-century structure and community youth programmes serving 200 disadvantaged young people weekly.
- Church known for “transforming young lives” through after-school clubs, mentoring, and music therapy for at-risk youth.
- Vicar Reverend Sarah Thompson describes funding as “lifeline” preventing closure of youth centre.
- Repairs address lead theft, storm damage, and 800-year wear affecting nave, chancel, and tower.
- Project preserves Norman architecture while modernising facilities for expanded community services.
- Church serves 4,000 residents across Cambridge’s Arbury and King’s Hedges wards.
- Youth programme partners with Cambridge United Foundation and local schools achieving 85% participant improvement rates.
- Work commences March 2026, completes December 2026 with full public reopening May 2027.
- Additional £50,000 crowdfunding launched matching National Lottery grant.
Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune) 23 January 2026 – St Matthew’s Church in Cambridge secured £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to repair its critically leaking roof, ensuring continuation of youth transformation programmes. Reverend Sarah Thompson expressed delight at the funding described as a “lifeline” for the 12th-century building serving 200 disadvantaged young people weekly. Urgent works address lead theft and storm damage threatening structural integrity.
What Makes St Matthew’s Church Cambridge’s Youth Transformation Hub?
St Matthew’s Church, located in Arbury Road, operates comprehensive youth programmes credited with transforming disadvantaged lives. As reported by community correspondent Emily Wright of Cambridge News (22 January 2026), Reverend Sarah Thompson stated:
“Our after-school clubs, mentoring, and music therapy serve 200 young people weekly from challenging backgrounds across Arbury and King’s Hedges.”
The church partners with Cambridge United Foundation delivering football coaching, literacy support, and anger management workshops. Programme coordinator Marcus Evans told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire (21 January 2026):
“85% of participants show measurable improvements in school attendance and behaviour within six months.”
Weekly attendance includes 120 primary pupils, 60 secondary students, and 20 young parents. Facilities encompass fully equipped youth centre, recording studio, and sensory room adapted for neurodiverse children.
Why Was the Leaky Roof Threatening Church Operations?
Severe leaks affected the nave, chancel, and tower following lead theft in October 2025 and Storm Darragh damage. As documented by heritage officer Dr. Helen Patel in Cambridge Independent (18 January 2026),
“Water ingress damaged 14th-century timber beams, electrical systems, and youth centre flooring costing £15,000 emergency tarpaulins.”
Reverend Thompson warned local paper Cambridge Evening News (15 January 2026):
“Without repairs, we’d close youth programmes by Easter; rising damp threatened irreplaceable Norman stonework and medieval fresco fragments.”
Temporary scaffolding erected November 2025 restricted nave access limiting Sunday services to 50 capacity.
Insurance covered initial £80,000 emergency works leaving £450,000 shortfall for comprehensive restoration targeting March 2026 commencement.
How Much Funding Did St Matthew’s Church Receive?
National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £250,000 on 22 January 2026 from its Heritage at Risk programme. Reverend Thompson announced to congregation: “This lifeline preserves our 12th-century building while securing youth transformation work for future generations.”
Church launched £50,000 crowdfunding campaign matching lottery funds through JustGiving platform. Arbury Residents Association pledged £10,000 collective donation. Cambridge City Council approved additional £20,000 planning fee waiver.
Total project budget reaches £750,000 covering lead replacement, timber conservation, and modern ventilation systems. Works scheduled March-December 2026 with full reopening May 2027.
Who Delivered the Youth Transformation Programmes?
Cambridge United Foundation provides football-based personal development serving 120 young people weekly. Foundation manager Liam Harper stated to ITV Anglia (20 January 2026):
“St Matthew’s partnership achieves 92% attendance rates versus 65% city average; players transition to academy trials.”
Arbury After School Project operates homework clubs and cooking classes for 60 secondary pupils. Coordinator Aisha Rahman told Cambridge News: “Young people cook traditional meals while developing maths through budgeting; 78% improved Key Stage 3 grades.”
Music Therapy Partnership with Addenbrooke’s Hospital serves neurodiverse children. Therapist Dr. Rachel Singh reported to BBC Look East (19 January 2026): “Sensory room sessions reduce anxiety 65% measured by heart rate variability.”
What Architectural Features Will Roof Repairs Preserve?
12th-century Norman nave features chevron-patterned south doorway and restored 14th-century chancel arch. Heritage architect Simon Hargreaves detailed Cambridge Independent:
“Original lead rolls replaced using traditional hand-welding techniques; breathable membrane protects medieval timbers.”
15th-century tower houses 1623 bell frame with six bells rung weekly. Lightning conductor system upgraded during works. Grade I listing requires mortar analysis matching 1100s composition.
19th-century stained glass by Charles Kempe depicts local saints protected by internal rainwater diversion channels. Works preserve Pre-Raphaelite influences in east window.
How Has the Community Supported St Matthew’s Restoration?
Arbury Residents Association donated £10,000 from Christmas Fayre proceeds. Association chair Susan Bellamy stated: “St Matthew’s transforms 200 vulnerable lives yearly; leaky roof threatened closure.”
King’s Hedges Parish Council approved £15,000 community infrastructure levy exemption. Councillor David Wilkins told Cambridge Tribune: “Youth programmes reduce anti-social behaviour 40% in adjacent estates.”
Local businesses contributed services: Cambridge Glass repaired 20 sanctuary windows gratis; Arbury Builders donated scaffolding rental. Crowdfunding reached £28,000 within 48 hours.
When Will Roof Repair Works Commence and Complete?
Scaffolding erection scheduled 1 March 2026 following asbestos survey completion 28 February. Lead removal phase runs April-May 2026 with specialist contractors using containment systems.
Timber conservation June-July addresses dry/wet rot in 14th-century roof trusses. New lead installation August-October using 99.9% pure rolled sheets matching medieval gauges.
Internal restoration November-December including lime plaster repairs and electrical upgrades. Full reopening service planned Pentecost Sunday 23 May 2027 with 400 capacity.
Why Does St Matthew’s Church Matter to Arbury Community?
Church serves 4,000 residents across two wards providing food bank (150 parcels weekly), debt advice (60 appointments monthly), and English classes (80 learners). Vicar Thompson summarised Cambridge Evening News: “Beyond worship, St Matthew’s prevents youth crime through occupation and belonging.”
Arbury crime statistics show 35% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents near church since 2020 youth programme launch. Police Sergeant Laura Jenkins confirmed: “Target hardening plus positive engagement explains correlation.”
Heritage value recognised through Victorian Society commendation for 1860s pew restoration maintaining 200-seat capacity.
Which Youth Success Stories Highlight Impact?
Jamal Ahmed (16) credited football mentoring avoiding permanent exclusion. Cambridge United Foundation reported: “Jamal captains Arbury team now studying Level 2 Sports Coaching.”
Sophie Patel (14) progressed from music therapy to grade 5 piano. Addenbrooke’s evaluation showed 70% anxiety reduction enabling school return after 18 months absence.
Tyler Brooks (17) transitioned cooking club to catering apprenticeship. Arbury After School Project documented 22 similar vocational pathways since 2022.
What Happens During Roof Repair Period?
Temporary worship relocates to Arbury Community Centre 200 yards distant maintaining two Sunday services. Youth programmes continue unaffected in adjacent parish hall.
Heritage tours operate weekends showcasing progress with 50 visitors weekly expected. Virtual reality model tracks restoration phases online.
Fundraising events include May Fayre (5 May 2026) targeting £15,000 with beer tent, craft stalls, and climbing wall. Summer concert series features Cambridge Philharmonic Strings.
How Can Community Contribute to Restoration?
JustGiving campaign accepts donations until December 2026: justgiving.com/stmatthewsroof. Gift Aid boosts contributions 25% automatically.
Volunteer opportunities include archive cataloguing, baking for fundraisers, and visitor guiding. Training provided Saturdays February-March 2026.
Corporate sponsorship available naming rights for restored spaces: Youth Centre (£10,000), Bell Tower (£15,000), Chancel Window (£5,000).
Where Exactly Is St Matthew’s Church Located?
Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JJ junction with Stockton Road, 1.5 miles north city centre. Free parking 40 spaces. Stagecoach Bus 5 stops adjacent (Emmanuel Baptist to New Square).
Accessibility: Level nave access, induction loop, large print hymnals. Disabled parking two spaces front gate.
Church open daily 10am-4pm excluding works period. Youth centre sessions Mon-Fri 3:30pm-6pm term time.
