Future Proposals

The Guild of St. Lawrence, which owns and manages the Chapel has an important new initiative, namely The Enhancement Project. The Project’s aims are to further develop a Centre of Excellence, with updated and improved interior design of rooms and facilities and improving the exterior and external spaces, while retaining the historic character and integrity of the building. Fundraising is already underway to carry out  works and Planning and Listed Building Approvals will be obtained as required. The work is to be carried out in stages as finance allows, with funding provided by means of successful grant bids, local community fund raising, donations and funds raised by the Guild of St. Lawrence.


Completed stages:

  • Disabled access ramps and platform lift added, making the Chapel fully accessible, providing equal access to everyone.
  • Toilet upgraded and the provision of a disabled toilet.
  • Re-decoration of side rooms, corridor and kitchen - this has transformed the atmosphere of the building. These rooms are equipped for exciting art, sculpture and other exhibitions, including in-house exhibitions about Dartmoor. Further redecoration to ceilings now needed due to water leaks (see below).
  • The improvement of the uninviting and uneven old tarmac area in front of the Chapel, using new surfacing, seating and raised planters. The area will be open for community activities and relaxation from 1st May. We are very grateful to the community of Ashburton for their generous support and also to Ugbrooke Environmental Ltd. and The Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund for their generous grants towards the project. The official opening was on Sunday 24th June 2012 by the Mayor and Portreeve.
  • Replacement of the extensive flat roof finishes carried out at the end of 2021 at a cost of £18,500.


Next stages:

  • Major repairs to tower spire which has been damaged by storms and at present is strapped for safety.
  • Removal of external concrete rendering to the tower, which is causing water to be trapped inside the tower and internal damage. The tower will then need to be lime-rendered to allow the fabric to breath. This is going to cost in excess of £200,000 and needs a major fundraising effort for 'THE CHAPEL TOWER RESTORATION FUND. To date, funds available and raised amount to approximately £50,000. 


To carry out these works we will need to apply for major grants.The support of the local community is very important not only because of the funds they raise but also when applying for grants, where one of the first questions asked is 'do you have the support of your local community'.

We also now need to redecorate the central corridor and office ceilings following roof leaks and clean and redecorate the mens toilet as a result of condensation/mould damage during the Covid pandemic.

Financial support for this work or other help is welcomed from any source. Further details can be obtained by phoning 01364 652768 and talking to Guild of St. Lawrence Chairman, Brian Lewis.