Restoring Ulva’s historic Telford church to create a flexible community hub and cultural heritage centre for island residents and visitors.
Estimated Price
38000
What do you want to do?
This project will deliver Phase 1 of the restoration of Ulva’s historic Telford-designed church, focusing on essential planning and preparatory work. The goal is to convert the building into community use - gatherings, learning, quiet reflection, and local activity.
The project will appoint a conservation-accredited architect and specialist consultants to undertake structural surveys, develop outline designs, and secure the permissions needed for full restoration. It will also fund limited enabling works to prevent further deterioration (e.g. temporary ventilation or water protection). A small programme of local engagement will help shape how the space can be used long term, reflecting the needs of residents and visitors.
Why is the project needed?
The church is the only indoor community asset on Ulva’s. Unfortunately, water is now entering through the roof, damaging the fabric, and threatening its future. A resident currently volunteers to empty rainwater buckets and clean the space. Without urgent planning and early intervention, the building may soon become unsafe and eventually unusable.
Although full restoration will require significant future funding, the first step is to acquire the plans and permissions. There is strong local interest in bringing the church back to life for community and visitor use - for events, exhibitions, music, rest, learning, and local fundraising.
One of the residents commented: “The church has great potential to become a true community hub… while preserving its quiet dignity and original purpose.”
“It already has toilets and a kitchen - we could host tea parties, events, and a reading corner for families. It just needs help to get there.”
What positive changes will the project bring about?
Prevents further deterioration through early capital intervention
Builds local capacity and ownership through early-stage engagement
Unlocks future investment by creating a full restoration plan
Supports wellbeing and inclusion by working toward a warm, indoor space
Creates community infrastructure in a fragile, isolated setting
Promotes climate resilience by preserving and adapting existing assets
Supports cultural identity and pride in place through heritage protection
How long will it run for?
September 2025 – March 2026. Architect and survey work will begin in autumn 2025. Consultations and permissions will be completed by early 2026, with limited enabling works delivered before March
