John Lewis Kingston backs All Saints Church redevelopment appeal
7:00am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Clare Buchanan
John Lewis Kingston backs All Saints Church redevelopment appeal
John Lewis Kingston has donated £15,000 to help rejuvenate a church at the heart and soul of Kingston.
The department store is the latest donor to the All Saints redevelopment scheme, which will secure its 1,000-year history by transforming it into a community, heritage and cultural hub.
The ambitious project includes plans for a new community centre, refurbishment and renovation of the church and changes to the grounds.
Jenny Tomley, managing director at John Lewis Kingston, said: "This exciting project will see the creation of new and improved town centre meeting points, which will benefit the whole community.
"Additionally, the heritage feature is a fantastic opportunity to promote and celebrate the unique part that Kingston has played in the history of England.”
Work will be done in stages but the drive to raise £1.7m of the required £8.7m has begun, with donations from an assortment of donors including Bentalls and the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund.
Jonathan Wilkes, Rector at All Saints Church said: “The scheme will transform the town centre and develop an important community, heritage and cultural dimension to the wonderful shopping and other retail attractions that Kingston already has.
"Businesses, residents and tourists will all greatly benefit from what we are aiming to do and we greatly appreciate the way that our town centre partners are supporting our work."
To see videos of supporters of the appeal explaning why they are on board, including Surrey Comet columnist Angellica Bell, and for more information visit whereenglandbegan.co.uk.
