Parts of Great Malvern Priory will be closed to visitors as work to fix the nave floor gets underway.

The long-awaited project to level the floor and install underfloor heating will start once the church’s Christmas celebrations have been completed.

The main door and the nave will have to be closed to visitors, but the remainder of the church, with many of its treasures, will remain open and will be used for the smaller services.

Between early January and late March the main 10.30am Sunday services, which regularly attract up to 200 worshippers, will be held in the chapel of Malvern College.

“Currently the nave floor is set with raised timber pew platforms which greatly inhibit our use of the nave area of the building for functions and concerts, and also present a safety hazard to users,” said Jeremy Wray, chair of the Priory’s Buildings and Grounds committee.

“We want to make the building more accessible and safer, particularly for people with restricted mobility.

“Last Saturday we had around 5,000 visitors to the church during our welcome day. It will be much better for them if they don’t have to negotiate the steps in the nave in order to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.”

The work will cost in the region of £300,000, much of which has already been raised by members of the congregation.

While work is in progress, visitors will still be able to access many areas within the building, and viewing windows with explanatory boards will hopefully allow visitors to observe the craftsmanship being undertaken in this Grade 1 listed building.   

“We are still looking for donations for the work,” said Jeremy, “and are continuing to fundraise and to seek external grants for the project. There will be a donation point in the church for those who feel they would like to contribute.

“Malvern Priory is an historic building and is almost 1,000 years old. It is important to keep it safe and protected both for the people of Malvern and for the 40,000 or so visitors we welcome each year.”