A £5m redevelopment of All Saints Church in the heart of Kingston has moved a step closer, after beating other projects to win Heritage Lottery Fund cash.
The church has won a first-round pass, getting £48,200 and the chance to bid for £800,000 in total.
All Saints, the site for the crowning of the very first kings of England in Saxon times, will showcase its history to visitors and include a heritage visitor centre, cafe and training and meeting rooms.
The Coronation Stone would be moved from outside the Guildhall to the grounds of the church, where it originally came from.
The Rector, Jonathan Wilkes, said: “Through the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and with considerable help from our local experts in Kingston Museum and local history room we will be able to exploit the church’s heritage and link with the museum in making Kingston not just a great place to come shopping, but a great place of history, culture and spirituality.”
The church has been raising its own funds by raffling off a £7,500 car, driving lessons and a dinner for two, with the draw taking place this Saturday, July 25.
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