Future Proposals

The Guild of St. Lawrence, which owns and manages the Chapel has recently launched an important new initiative, namely ‘THE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT’.

The Project’s aims are to further develop a Centre of Excellence with updated and improved interior design of rooms and facilities, including making the Centre fully accessible, while retaining the historic character and integrity of the building. Fund raising is already underway to carry out this work and Planning and Listed Building Approvals obtained. The work is to be carried out in stages as finance allows, with funding provided by means of successful grant bids, local community fund raising, donations and funds raised by the Guild of St. Lawrence –

  • Stage 1: Disabled access ramps and platform lift. Now completed.
  • Stage 2: Toilet upgrading and the provision of a disabled toilet. Now completed.
  • Re-decoration of side rooms,corridor and kitchen is now complete and has transformed the atmosphere of the building. The side rooms are being equipped for exciting art, sculpture and other exhibitions, including in- house exhibitions about Dartmoor which will be on show during the Summer.
  • The Chapel is now fully accessible and available for use and booking giving equal access to everyone.
  • Stage 3:. The improvement of the uninviting and uneven old tarmac area in front of the Chapel, using new surfacing, seating and raised planters etc. All work and planting is now complete. The area will be open for community activities and relaxation from 1st May. We are very grateful to the community of Ashburton for their generous support and also to Ugbrooke Environmental Ltd. and The Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund for their generous grants towards the project.
  • Next Stages: Restoration of the first floor Tower Room, reputed to be the smallest classroom in England;  Sanding and sealing the Chapel wooden floor;   Improvements to entrance, central corridor and classrooms to create exciting and up to date spaces for reception, gallery, exhibitions and for expanded community use.  The cost of these works will be in the region of £150,000 and funds need to be raised for these.

Financial support for this work or other help is welcomed from any source. Further details can be obtained by phoning 01364 652768 and talking to Guild of St. lawrence Chairman Brian Lewis