About the Project

St Stephen's church has stood in its present position in Exeter High Street for more than 1,000 years.  It is a small (100-seat) Grade II* building which has seen considerable change over the centuries - both in the building itself and in relation to its surroundings.  In recent years its unique location has led to its shared use with many charitable and voluntary organisations.   The central location of the building and the wholly opportune timing with the rebuilding of the city centre prompts enthusiasm for the St Stephen's Project at this time.

The project aims to 'open up' the consecrated building by creating better access to a multi-functional space for a variety of social and cultural activities.  This opportunity to enhance the social life of the centre of the city is unlikely to recur.  Past experience and surveys of the potential use of the building indicate that it will be extensively used.  At present over 80 social and charitable organisations use the building each year to inform the public and to raise funds for their causes.

To enable the shared use envisaged the building must first be made safe and water tight.  Attention can then turn to enhancing the facilities the building offers its users.  These include:

• a more welcoming entrance from the High Street

• a major new access door from Catherine Square

• creation of exhibition and performance areas

• wheelchair access

• opening-up a pre-1350 sanctuary at the east end of the building
  (currently partitioned-off)

• replacement of an original gallery at the west end

• replacing the kitchen and relocating the servery

• creating an office and a private meeting room

• and installing modern heating, lighting, and sound facilities

Architectural, archaeological, accessibility and economic survey reports have been completed in preparation for the detailed planning and building now required.   Consultations with numerous organisations and individuals concerning the future of this ancient building indicate strong support for the project.

Is it not the intention to modernise St Stephens for its own sake.  The aim is to share use of the building with others in the wider community in a way which recognises the personal and social dimensions of every day living in a busy city centre.