Newark College Students Begin Work on Historic St Mary Magdalene Refurbishment

Newark College students have embarked on an exciting refurbishment project at St Mary Magdalene Church in Newark, a historic landmark with over 800 years of heritage. Working alongside heritage experts and contractors ASBC, the students will contribute their skills to the conservation effort, gaining invaluable hands-on experience over the next 18 months. 

Today’s initial site visit gave the students a glimpse into the scope of the project, uncovering the intricacies of the building’s architecture and conservation needs. Guided by professionals, they explored areas requiring attention, from masonry repairs to furniture restoration. 

Students from several courses will take on specific roles. Furniture Making students will restore the church pews, preserving their character while enhancing their usability. Carpentry & Joinery students will construct a wooden frame for a new area, while a joint effort with Furniture Making students will create bespoke small chairs. Brickwork students will repair and archive historic masonry whilst Media students will document the transformation. 

Deborah Franklin, Work Experience and Industry Placement Coordinator at the Lincoln College Group, said “This project is an excellent work experience opportunity for our students and allows them to apply their skills locally while forging valuable relationships with professionals in their fields. These collaborations are vital in preparing our students for successful careers.” 

The project also highlights the complexity of heritage conservation. During the site visit, students explored the roles of supervisors, budgeting, and the importance of fundraising in bringing such projects to life. The church’s refurbishment aims not only to preserve its historic features but also to futureproof the space, ensuring it serves the community for generations to come. 

Anna Herbert, Heritage Interpretation and Visitor Experience Manager, said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Newark College on the Reawakening of St Mary Magdalene project. It is a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn about heritage conservation from our main contractors, ASBC; professionals, with decades of experience. It is such an exciting project, raising the profile of the heritage of a nationally important building, with more than 800 years of history.”  

By collaborating with the college, businesses can provide vital work experience opportunities, helping students build essential skills while contributing to community initiatives. If you are interested in working with us, please contact [email protected].

For more information on our School Leaver courses please visit our website.