Restoration at St John’s

After 10 years of fundraising, work is finally starting on a £5 million restoration project at St John’s Waterloo. The church will close its doors on 4 July 2021  and the St John’s team will temporarily move to St Andrew’s Short Street SE1 from where worship, arts and community activities will continue until a grand re-opening of St John’s in spring 2022.  St John’s churchyard garden will remain open throughout.

Local residents can look forward to a beautifully restored and redecorated nave and concert space and to the now semi-derelict crypt becoming a place where all kinds of community, arts wellbeing, employment, and youth initiatives can thrive. 

Vicar of St John’s, Giles Goddard, said: “In the wake of the pandemic, we need more than ever for our magnificent Grade II* church to be here for everyone, a place where we can come together to grow and to heal. If you have an idea for making use of our new space, we’d love to hear from you.” 

Leading the restoration will be Eric Parry Architects whose award-winning previous commissions include the renewal of St Martin’s-in-the-Fields. The contractors, Buxton, are also experts in heritage building projects. As members of the Considerate Contractor scheme, they aim to minimise disruption during the works but if you have any concerns, there will be contact details on the hoardings from 19 July 2021.  

And remember that St John’s and Giles the Vicar are still very much here for those living, working and visiting Coin Street too.