About the project

St Mary the Virgin, Wirksworth is a Grade I listed Major Parish Church in the Derbyshire Dales, much loved by its community but listed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. Its Faith, Folk, Foundations project will deliver extensive repair and restoration work, including the transept roofs, nave walls, windows and churchyard paths, alongside improved lighting and heating and a route to reducing the church's carbon footprint.

In 2025 the church was awarded development funding of £313,770 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to progress its plans and apply for a full National Lottery grant of £1.73 million at a later date.

The consultancy's role

Alix Slater Consultancy & Training reviewed the Parochial Church Council's Development Phase application and acted as a critical friend to the team preparing it.