St Matt's Building Project
All donations made in November will be match funded up to £20,000, doubling the impact your gift will make!
A Building For Everyone
St Matt's has stood at the heart of Widcombe for over 150 years, welcoming generations of people in to worship, pray, celebrate and reflect.
However the Victorian building was designed in a different age and means that there are barriers which limit access to many members of the community. We're making changes which will enable far greater use of the building, while respecting its historic character.
Our plans include improving access by installing an external ramp to the front door, adding a much needed accessible toilet and upgrading our kitchen and other facilities.
We want to open our doors to even more people, to serve our community and to build for the future. Will you partner with us to make this all possible?
FAQs
Why are we doing this?
Key barriers limit the use of St Matt's by the wider community: there is no step-free access, no accessible toilet, and the kitchen is no longer fit for purpose. For many years, we have wanted to make our building more accessible, welcoming and inclusive, and we are now one step closer to making that vision a reality. Working with the congregation, PCC, Diocese and local community, we are planning improvements that will bring the church's facilities up to modern standards. Our plans include improving access by installing an external ramp to the front door, adding a much needed accessible toilet and upgrading our kitchen and other facilities.
What are we hoping to do?
A new external access ramp, accessible toilets, an upgraded kitchen, bike racks, a shower and a wider, more welcoming entrance. We are currently seeking planning permission and completing detailed designs, with construction planned for autumn 2027 and completion in spring 2028.
How can I help?
The total project cost is £400,000. Grants and church reserves will cover much of this, but we still need to raise £200,000 from the congregation and wider community. All donations made in November 2026 will be match funded up to £20,000, doubling the impact your gift will make!
Where can I give?
You can give online by clicking here and selecting the 'Building Project' dropdown or email us finance@widcombe.church for alternative ways to give.