St. Mary's Church in Totnes has received a £965,416 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a two-year restoration and development project.
The £1.6 million initiative aims to repair the nave, enhance accessibility for community groups, and install eco-friendly heating and power systems.
Rector and interim project manager, Rev Jim Barlow, celebrated the grant in an interview with the BBC, calling St. Mary’s "the jewel at the heart of Totnes."
He emphasised that the planned improvements would enrich the church's character and expand its use for "a wider range of life-enhancing activities".
"St. Mary's has been awarded a grant of just under £1 million by the National Lottery Heritage Fund," the church said on its website. "There has been amazing support from the community, which has now raised £75,000."
The church community continues to actively fundraise to cover the remaining costs.
Preliminary work is set to begin in November, with the church expected to close for up to six months after Christmas.