The Sharing Our Future project is a transformational £3.8M project that will restore and improve priority areas of the fabric of the Church of the Annunciation securing its future as a religious, cultural and community venue and hub for the Deaf Church.
Capital works will address exterior and interior issues through repair, conservation, net zero works, access and facilities improvements.
A vibrant hub will be created for the Deaf Church/wider d/Deaf Community.
Through a combination of church funds and a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant we have already raised £482,000 to develop the project. We now need to raise £1M to apply to draw down a further ‘grant in principle’ of £2.3M from the Heritage Fund.
Please consider support the Sharing Our Future project with a donation.
The Annunciation is a major community asset
But our building is at risk – so too is our community and our future.
We are an independent Registered Charity (no. 1146634) and a church that is family-focused, cosmopolitan, community based and offering a welcome to people of all ages and all backgrounds.
We work closely with local schools, and an independent nursery is run out of the church’s undercroft. Building on historic links to Oxford Street, the Deaf Church has found a new home at the Annunciation, and we are development a Deaf Hub. The church has excellent acoustics and a history of choir and classical music. We are open every day as a peaceful, free to access community space in the bustle of central London.
Saving Our Building
The Grade II* listed church is officially “At Risk” (English Heritage Risk Register). Roofs are no longer watertight. Falling brick and stone require ongoing removal opening new areas to erosion. Stunning stained-glass windows are deteriorating and require conservation cleaning and repair. There are no accessible toilet facilities.
The need for repair and improvement is urgent and immediate.
Sustaining Our Community
The Annunciation is at the heart of our community
Ecclesiastically with 300 attending regularly on Sundays, High Feasts, and weekdays including 100 children and young people.
Educationally working in partnership with Hampden Gurney (parish school), and welcoming 400 pupils and staff from Wetherby School for weekly assemblies. Bryanston Nursery runs out of the church’s undercroft welcoming 100 children every day.
Deaf Hub we are developing an inclusive hub for the Deaf Church and wider D/deaf Community.
Music, culture, venue hire we are pleased to welcome performers of all levels including young musicians in training via the London Town Chamber Fest and Mosaic Seasons and children and young people from the Maria Vraka Music Academy as well as talks, workshops and corporate hire.
Sharing Our Future – the next three years
Over a three year period the project will deliver:
Access improvements – an accessible entrance will be created with wheelchair accessible toilets and digital assets including website ensuring our welcome is for everyone.
Business Plan/Programme of Growth the project aims to increase the church’s use as a multipurpose community venue serving Mayfair, Marylebone, Hyde Park and beyond.
Lively Deaf community hub we are developing an activities programme and will embedded d/Deaf leadership and participation into all areas of church life with a d/Deaf friendly building. The project also includes heritage skills internships for deaf people.
Heritage Building roof, brick and stonework will be repaired and windows restored meaning the condition of the church building will be improved dramatically, removing it from Risk Register and out wonderful collection of ecclesiastic garments and textiles will be catalogued and restored.
Sustainability the renewed church building and enhanced facilities will underpin a 10-year business plan that aims to grow activities and diversify income streams helping the church become more financially sustainable.
The project’s Net Zero works (Solar PV, roof insulation, double glazing where possible, LED lighting) will all help to make the church more environmentally sustainable and lower our carbon footprint.
For more information or to arrange a visit to the Annunciation please email the church’s Director of Development, Anthony Oliver.
Please consider support the Sharing Our Future project with a donation.
