De Beauvoir’s church crypt is now out of action until November

Emma Bartholomew, Senior Reporter Tuesday, July 10, 2012
3:42 PM

Work began on Monday to complete the third and final phase of the ambitious £500,000 revamp of De Beauvoir church’s crypt.

Existing internal walls will be demolished to create a large cafe foyer area catering for the cold-weather night shelter, Peter’s Community Cafe and ‘healthy living’ classes.

Toilets, an administrator’s office, three soundproof counselling rooms and storage space will also be built in the work at the church in Northchurch Road, which is expected to be completed by the end of November.

The previous two phases saw disabled access ramps placed outside the church and crypt, the installation of a disabled toilet and shower, and replacement of the Victorian heating- system.

The community raised over £50,000 in a big fundraising push, and several grants helped reach the target including £262,715 from the Big Lottery Fund, one of £50,000 from The Veolia Environmental Trust made through the Landfill Communities Fund, and £10,000 from the National Churches Trust.