Updated October 2025
The Annunciation Marble Arch gains support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore Grade II* Church and create a hub for the Deaf community
It’s been announced that the Church of the Annunciation Marble Arch has received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its “Sharing our Future” project.
Made possible by National Lottery players, development funding of £447,000 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help the church progress its plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £2.3million at a later date.
The “Sharing our Future” project will restore this much-loved Grade II* listed church in the heart of London and create a hub for the deaf community, bringing it back to its historic home.
The first purposely built church for the deaf community opened on Oxford Street in 1873. It moved to a new building in Acton in 1925 before sadly closing in 2014. It is hoped that this project will create a new flagship hub for the community, working with The Deaf Church, and other key organisations such as The Royal Association for Deaf People, to tailor services and events as well as offer a two-year activity plan in subjects such as skills training and other heritage activities.
As part of the project, the fabric of the church will be conserved and restored, focusing on the deteriorating nave and baptistry roof, addressing windows and high-level stonework, and includes re-ordering and access improvements. An extensive collection of rare ecclesiastical vestments dating from the 17th century will also be conserved. This is Phase One of the Masterplan, looking to address conservation and restoration needs.
November 2023
Church of the Annunciation Marble Arch receives Heritage Fund grant
The Church of the Annunciation at Marble Arch is the proud recipient of a £90,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This substantial grant is a crucial step towards safeguarding a vital piece of London’s historical fabric and propelling the church towards a promising future.
The primary focus of the project is the restoration and preservation of the Calvary War Memorial, a significant landmark at the intersection of Old Quebec Street and Bryanston Street, recently subjected to vandalism. With support from the War Memorials Trust and Westminster’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), work on the War Memorial begins straight away.
Beyond rectifying the damage, the initiative encompasses a holistic approach, addressing the church’s resilience through strategic measures. This includes comprehensive conservation efforts, business planning, audience development strategies, architectural feasibility studies, and additional fundraising to meet specific needs. Moreover, two innovative pilot projects are set to unfold, aiming to expand the church’s engagement with schools and the deaf community.
Nestled within the Portman Estate Conservation Area, just off Oxford Street near Marble Arch, The Church of the Annunciation is a Gothic revival masterpiece designed by Sir Walter Tapper and completed in 1912–1913. Acknowledged as a Grade II* Listed building, its architectural prowess is widely celebrated, with an interior that has remained remarkably unchanged since its inception. The church boasts exceptional control of light and is adorned with fittings and fixtures of remarkable detail and quality. An expansive undercroft beneath the church further extends its footprint.
Beyond its architectural significance, the Church of the Annunciation serves as a beloved and comforting presence in the local community. Revered by international visitors, residents, and workers alike, the church holds a special place in the hearts of its long-term primary school partner, Hampden Gurney, concert enthusiasts, and the many local families who participate in its popular Sunday School.
We are delighted to support the Church of the Annunciation with this important resilience project. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, they will be able to look towards the future to ensure that this amazing Grade II* Listed building is serving its community for centuries to come. This project is a fantastic example of how we can support our churches and encourage new heritage investment that benefits our local communities and economies.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund
This project is not only about restoring a historic landmark but also about fortifying the Church of the Annunciation’s future. It addresses both practical and sustainable elements to address pressing issues with the building. The urgency is underscored by the church’s inclusion in Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register in 2019. Architects will now explore effective remedies, quantify necessary works, and enhance accessibility. The Heritage Fund grant serves as a catalyst for the Church of the Annunciation to “share its future” and ensure that this remarkable building continues to enrich the lives of users today and for generations to come.
This is a significant milestone in the life of our community. We are hugely grateful to the Heritage Fund for supporting this project. We look forward to working closely with them and with all our local community as
we deliver this important resilience project, as well as several exciting new initiatives to test out our future plans.The Revd Dr Lincoln Harvey, Vicar of the Annunciation Marble Arch