Grand Designs Presenter says: “All Strength to St James!”

27 January 2009

One of the country’s most popular TV presenters and designers has given his backing to an appeal to save Bristol’s oldest building – a place where Mass is still celebrated every Sunday.

Kevin McCloud, who rose to fame as the front man of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, said the St James Priory Heritage Appeal to raise £2million was vital to save “a valuable, rare and ancient artefact”.

St James Priory, located in the heart of Bristol between the Horsefair and the Bus Station in Bristol’s city centre, is a 12th Century, Grade-1 listed church and remains one of the most important examples of Norman architecture in the country.

Plans have recently been submitted to Bristol City Council to help return part of the building to the heart of the community by providing modern facilities and meeting rooms and a café with piazza.

A £3.2million Heritage Lottery Fund grant, which was awarded at the end of last year, will restore the main building but it is dependent on the extra money being raised by the appeal.

Kevin McCloud, who lives in Somerset, said: “This is an important building - locally and nationally.

“It is a valuable, rare and ancient artefact that informs our understanding both of the history of Bristol and of Norman architecture.

“The opportunity to creatively reuse it through what is an elegant and sensitively designed scheme means the building can be repaired and given a new vibrant lease of life. All strength to St James!”

Martin Appleby, Chairman of the Trustees for St James, said: “We are privileged to have Mr McCloud lend his voice to our appeal, which has already raised more than £800,000.

“It is through the support of the community and influence of people such as Mr McCloud that I believe we will be successful in rejuvenating this incredible building and returning it to the cultural and social centre of Bristol.”

The BBC has also focussed on the Priory - the proceeds of a collection at BBC Radio Bristol’s popular Christmas celebration hosted by Clifton Cathedral helped raise vital funds.

More about the Priory in our podcast series.