The Plans

St Mary’s Old Church is a well loved building in Stoke Newington. Dating from the 16th century, with its warm red brick and overgrown graveyard it gives that corner of Clissold Park the feel of a small country village.

But this small church, which was once the hub of the community, is now underused and falling into a state of decay and disrepair. It was replaced in the 19th century by the much grander St Mary’s New Church, which stands opposite.

With the prospect of major fundraising needed to simply upkeep the building, the Parish began exploring ways in which the old church might not only pay its own way but become a centre of use by the whole community of Stoke Newington, irrespective of religion, race or gender. The result is the proposal for an arts facility that is accessible by all groups of Stoke Newington society.

The vision builds on the current use of the Old Church as a venue for musicians who are attracted to its atmosphere and good acoustics, despite the lack of heating or toilets. Without sacrificing atmosphere it will create a comfortable, flexible space where community groups, professionals and students from the school can create, perform and display their work. With resident theatre company Common Air carrying out education work with young people, and a centre manager working to reach out to marginalised groups, the Arts Centre will be a venue that welcomes all sections of our local community.

With plans, planning permission and development grants in place we are now entering a major fundraising phase to raise the £1.5m the project will cost. From January, 2009 fundraising events are being staged in both the old and new churches on the first Sunday of every month under the banner Arts @ St Mary’s. We will be continuing to consult with local residents and visitors to Stoke Newington with regards the sorts of activities they would like to see at the new centre and welcome comments and feedback either in person, via the Parish office or email: stmarystokenewington@btinternet.com

St Mary’s Old Church Development Committee