Our vision for the future of St Andrew by the Wardrobe

Work is now in progress

with thanks to the many organisations and indivuduals who donated to make this possible

To contribute to our appeal for this project, please see our Fundraising Information.

Phase One June 2022

As work in Phase One nears completion St Andrew by the Wardrobe has featured as a case study by the Church of England on the day it launches the National Net Zero Carbon Pathway.

Have a look at our videos:

St Andrew by the Wardrobe becomes carbon neutral.

Phase One – March 2022

The work to renew the heating and electrical wiring in St Andrew by the Wardrobe began just before Christmas.  Air source heat pumps will be installed in the roof space and the new wiring is being chased into walls and hidden behind panelling.

Fr Luke and Archbishop Angaelos have been in to the church to check on proceedings and are pleased with what they see!

The images below were takn by  our architect, Joseph Edwards, at the end of February and give an interesting behind the scenes view of what is happening

Purple outlines show the position of  the air source heat pumps in the roof-space

We are looking forward to throwing out our old and expensive heaters that didn’t really keep us warm anyway. Next winter, our new, green, heating system will keep us cosy throughout all our services and ensure St Andrew by the Wardrobe is environmentally sustainable, reaching the Church of England’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Scaffolding mounted on the staircase to give access to the upper level for the installation of new electrical wiring

That view all the way from the roof down to the ground make us feel dizzy just looking at it!

 All being well, this phase of the works is due for completion in April.  Fundraising is continuing. There is still some way to go, but we are very grateful for the contributions which have so far been received, and which have made this first phase possible.

Phase One – December 2021

We are pleased to say that Phase One is now underway and the Church will close on Wednesday 15 December until the end of April.

This, initial phase includes:

• Electrical system to be fully renewed, with a new energy-efficient lighting scheme, incorporating restoration of the high-quality C20th fittings (now of heritage significance)
• New environmentally sustainable heating system, including air-source heat pump, combined with rapidly-responding electric radiators in the nave.

Further phases will involve:

• Accessibility improvements, to include ramped external access to the north entrance and accessible toilets.
• Improvements to the interior, including reconfiguring the narthex (lobby area) to be more welcoming and better used, new kitchen facilities and refurbishment of the Chapel, Parish Rooms and office.

The Need For Change – January 2021

St Andrew by the Wardrobe is at a crossroads. It is well loved and valued by City organisations who fill it on significant occasions during the year. Yet, with only a very small regular congregation, this intermittent activity is not enough to sustain it.  St Andrew’s needs a new year-round use that will bring the church back to full life and ensure its future viability.

Significant issues affecting the fabric of the building, if not addressed, could lead to closure on safety grounds.  These include a failing electrical system and heating system broken beyond repair. There are also real barriers to welcoming people into our building, with poor access for people with disabilities and no accessible toilets.

Our Plans

We have developed a partnership with London Diocese of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church that will enable the church to become their London headquarters.  A thriving centre for the diverse ministry of the Coptic Church, future emphasis will be on building ecumenical ties, youth/community involvement, education and the support of the homeless and of refugees. Anglican Parish activity will continue, with use of the Church for one event weekly, plus daily matins and evening worship, weekly Eucharist and festival services across the year.  The church will be open daily, welcoming tourists, schools and local visitors, and continue to be used for ceremonial occasions by our long-standing City partners.

Our proposals have been carefully designed to ensure that Wren’s design and the beautiful interior detailing within the building, including the wood panelling, are respected.

Our Aims

This  project, is led by The Venerable Luke Miller, Rector of St Andrew by the Wardrobe and Archdeacon of London and His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London. Our shared vision is for St Andrew’s to flourish both as a centre for worship, and for the support of the wider community.  It will continue to be a place of sanctuary in the heart of the City of London as it re-opens after the pandemic.  Specifically, the proposals will:

• Secure the long-term future of this nationally outstanding Grade I listed church by Wren, making it safe, welcoming and accessible to all.
• Bring new and diverse life into the church and the heart of the City of London, so that this landmark building it is once again a thriving centre for people.
• Ensure St Andrew’s is environmentally sustainable, reaching a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Fundraising contiunes to ensure completuion of future phases.

For more information or to contribute to our appeal for this project, please see our Fundraising Information.