Opening Doors Bulletin Feb 2026

1.         NEWS FROM THE PROJECT MANAGER’S DESK

February has seen some big and very visible changes inside the church building.

The Victorian English oak lobby has now been carefully dismantled, and our beautiful 14th-century font and 17th-century font cover have been safely moved to secure storage in the chancel. These historic elements will be protected while work progresses and will return later in the programme. Plywood now surrounds the pulpit to ensure it is fully protected throughout the renovation works.

The church interior looks dramatically different — open, stripped back, and full of potential. While it may feel unfamiliar at first glance, this is an exciting and important stage in preparing the building for its next chapter.

Archaeology Underway

We were delighted to welcome Mark from The Archaeological Practice, working alongside Pinnacle Conservation to ensure that any discoveries beneath the floor are handled with care and expertise.

So far, investigations have uncovered:

• A small number of human bones
• Saxon stonework
• Norman stonework

All excavation is taking place under a professional archaeological watching brief, as outlined in the project programme. These discoveries remind us that every layer of the church tells part of Darlington’s story. Mark will now complete his internal survey while the remaining rubble is cleared in preparation for the next phase of groundworks.

Asbestos Removal and Entrance Repairs

The asbestos identified during removal works has now been safely contained and removed. Importantly, this has not significantly impacted the overall project schedule.

However, the skip lorries involved in its removal unfortunately caused damage to the pillars at either side of the entrance gate. While they are currently safe and secure (if a little battered), repairs will be carried out by Pinnacle before the project is completed.

We remain committed to being open and transparent about both the challenges and the progress as work continues.

Where This Fits in the Programme

February’s work aligns with the Removal and Preparation Works phase of the programme. 

St Cuthbert's work programme including the removal of internal fittings and floor structure;  lifting and safe storage of historic elements; archaeological excavation and the breaking up and removing the existing concrete oversite

Next month will see further excavation and preparation ahead of the concrete floor works planned for early spring. .

2. OPENING DOORS WORKS TIMETABLE

Work on the redevelopment of St Cuthbert’s Church is now well underway, and we are pleased to share an overview of the programme and key milestones as they stand in early February 2026. While dates may change as the project progresses, this gives a helpful picture of what lies ahead.

We are most grateful for the patience and support of you all as this exciting project continues, and we look forward to sharing further updates as St Cuthbert’s is transformed for the future.

The project began in January 2026 with site set-up, security, and protective works. During this time the pews and radiators were removed, plumbing was disconnected, and the font cover was carefully moved.

In February, the focus has turned to the removal of remaining services, joinery, pew platforms, floor finishes, and the concrete oversite. 

March will involve trial pits and archaeological excavation, along with drainage works and service penetrations. This will be followed in April by the construction of the new concrete floor and the necessary inspections.

From May to June, work will concentrate on the South and North Transepts, including mechanical and electrical installations, stonework, and finishes. The new concrete floor is planned to be fully laid by late June.

Between June and August, attention will move to the South and North Aisles, with the installation of the servery, partitions, and finishes. The font cover is due to be reinstalled on mid July, with stone ledgers following on in by the end of July.

In August and September, works in the Nave will include stone paving, decorative finishes, and the reinstatement of the font and entrance areas. Stone paving installation is scheduled to begin on mid-August.

External works at the West Entrance are planned for September and October, including drainage, paving, and new balustrades. Key installations during this period include the glazed screen for the new multi-purpose room in the North Transept in mid-September and the completion of the new toilets by the second week of October.

During November, mechanical and electrical systems will be commissioned, the kitchenette/servery will be installed in early November, and the entrance paving and steps completed by late November.

A Christmas shutdown is planned for December, after the font reinstalled in mid-December. Final works, site clearance, and removal of the compound will take place in January and February 2027, alongside the opening of the new entrance and the installation of new balustrades in early January.

3. FOCUS ON COMMUNICATION

On 17 February 2026, representatives from Pinnacle Conservation and St Cuthbert’s Church met to align their marketing and communication approach for the ongoing restoration project. Stephanie O’Bee, Director of Pinnacle Conservation, joined Kaitlyn Beattie, Project Manager for the Opening Doors project, and Kerry Jonas, volunteer at St Cuthbert’s Church, to discuss communications, media opportunities, and public engagement.

The meeting focused on ensuring consistent and positive messaging around the conservation works. Kaitlyn emphasised the importance of alignment and welcomed Pinnacle’s advice and support, especially regarding the video updates she has started to do. Stephanie confirmed that consent forms had been distributed to site personnel and that teams had been briefed about interviews. Kaitlyn will be posting updates on St Cuthbert’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The group also discussed how to approach potentially sensitive issues, such as asbestos removal or site incidents. Stephanie advised that transparency and honesty are essential, Messaging should balance the project’s challenges with its wider heritage value and long-term benefits.

Recognising varied public interests, Stephanie noted that some audiences are drawn to the church’s history, while others are fascinated by traditional conservation techniques. Pinnacle offered to support this storytelling by explaining why specialist methods are required and why heritage projects can take time. Proposed engagement activities include hard hat tours, open days, lime-mixing and masonry demonstrations, and guided church history tours.

The team discussed strengthening digital communications, including time-lapse footage—recommended for download every two weeks—and regular project updates. Monthly communications will form the backbone of the strategy, supported by social media, LinkedIn, noticeboards, and website updates. Pinnacle’s own monthly reports can be shared across St Cuthbert’s channels, helping to maintain a clear and consistent narrative.

A shared media folder has now been established, and both organisations agreed on clear next steps to support coordinated communications and community engagement as the project progresses.

Look out for Kaitlyn’s video blogs on Facebook and Instagram!
 

4.FUNDRAISING UPDATE – BE PART OF THE STORY

The Opening Doors Project is now fully underway, and thanks to extraordinary generosity from individuals, grant funders and local supporters, over £2 million has already been raised towards our £2.5 million target.

We now have approximately £80,000 left to raise to complete the project in full.

Dedicate a Stone in the New Aisle

Later this year, when the new stone floor is laid in the main aisle, there will be a rare opportunity to become part of the permanent history of St Cuthbert’s Church.

Supporters can dedicate a stone:

• In memory of a loved one.
• To mark a special occasion.
• To celebrate a life event.
• Or as a business wanting to leave a lasting legacy.

Each dedication is recorded on two engraved stainless-steel plates — one for you to keep, and one placed beneath the floor under the font as a permanent record embedded within the fabric of the building.

Every dedication is also entered into the Book of Dedications, creating a lasting and publicly accessible historical record 

Calling All Woodworkers

Following the careful removal of the Victorian oak pews and the pine platforms that they stood upon, we are inviting local craftspeople to transform reclaimed oak into handcrafted items to be sold in support of the project.

If you (or someone you know) works with wood and would like to help turn historic oak and pine into beautiful keepsakes, we would love to hear from you.

We already have some exceptionally lovely hand turned items, and as soon as we put these on sale, we will let people know.

We were also delighted that Pinnacle were happy to donate a substantial amount of pine pews to a Darlington local charity, The Viking Boat Company (formerly Plane Sailing for Heroes C.I.C) is a not-for-profit community enterprise situated in the heart of Darlington. Their purpose is to help ex-military personnel develop mental resilience and coping strategies to counter the effects of PTSD, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and isolation to help them lead active and fulfilling lives in their community.

Local Businesses – A Time-Limited Opportunity

We will be inviting Darlington businesses to take part in this once-in-a-generation moment by dedicating a stone as part of the final fundraising phase.

When the floor is laid, that moment is fixed in history. This is an opportunity to leave a permanent, unseen but enduring record of your organisation beneath the stones — a time capsule for future generations. 

This is not simply sponsorship — it is becoming part of the living history of Darlington’s oldest church.

If you would like more information about any of our fundraising initiatives, please contact:

Kerry Jonas
Fundraising Advisor
[email protected]

Together, we are not just restoring a building — we are shaping its future
 

5. CHURCH LIFE CONTINUES

Although the building is temporarily closed, church life continues in full, as announced at the launch of the Opening Doors Project

Sunday Parish Communion
11:00am at the Church Centre

Wednesday Holy Communion
10:30am at the Church Centre

Monthly Choral Evensong
5:00pm at Holy Trinity Church (Second Saturday of each month)

The Church remains open, active and prayerful — even while the building is being renewed.

HAVE YOUR SAY

It may look very different inside right now, but this is a moment of renewal.

·         We would love to hear your thoughts about the project so far.

·         Do you have memories of the church that you would like to share? 

·         This is your church and your story too.

Contact: Kaitlyn Beattie, Project Manager

[email protected]

07704 823610