AN iconic Wirral church has received funding for a project to restore two marble chapels.

The Shrine Church of Ss Peter, Paul and St Philemona in New Brighton – also known as 'The Dome of Home' – has received a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £27,100, to prepare an application for a further £222,000. 

It will be used for work to stop water dripping through the barrel roofs, brickwork and windows around the side chapels, restoring damaged structural concrete and plasterwork.

Wirral Globe:

The Shrine Church of Ss Peter, Paul and St Philemona in New Brighton – also known as 'The Dome of Home'

Choirs and local singers will collaborate in a series of music workshops culminating in a semi-professional performance of Handel’s Messiah, publicised through social media.

The addition of a kitchenette will help volunteers organise hospitality for visitors as more volunteers are recruited to help with Guided Tours.

Canon Montjean, Rector, said, “What wonderful news. The lottery fund have been so supportive.

“We now have three young priests working here in New Brighton.

“This funding will help them to continue the work to restore the past to build our future.

“So far we have restored about a third of the roofs and brickwork of this church in our previous two projects.

Wirral Globe:

Canon Montjean

“Not only will this project stop the drips in front of the lapis lazuli marble of Our Lady’s Altar, but help more people to realise that we are open every day and here for everyone.

“The planned activities to engage younger and more people will have a tremendous impact on New Brighton and beyond so watch this space! Now the preparation and match funding work starts.”

The Grade II-listed church first opened in 1935, was nicknamed the Dome of Home because it is one of the first things seafarers see when they sail back to Liverpool..

In July it featured in an episode of The Hairy Builder on BBC Two, hosted by Dave Myers.