Newport Minster To Re-Open Following Major Refurbishment

THE historic Newport Minster will re-open to the public on May 1, after a £2.6m refurbishment project is completed.

The major refurbishment has involved a complete reshaping of the inside of the building, with an underfloor heating system installed, as well as better toilets, a new kitchen, new seating, and new meeting rooms.

The idea is that the building becomes a magnet for community groups, as well as a spiritual hub for the island.

Worshippers will welcome up to 400 guests on May 1 for a re-opening service with the Bishop of Portsmouth.

It will be the first time the Minster has been properly open to the public since it closed for refurbishment last autumn.

The first group to enjoy the new facilities — The Play Café — has welcomed 65 families since it was launched at the start of 2024. They’ll start meeting in the minster itself from May 7.

The final phase of the project to transform Newport Minster began last September when the building was closed to allow refurbishment to take place.

Local companies have installed a new tiled floor, created a new fully-fitted kitchen and meeting rooms near the entrance, and installed display boards to inform its 30,000 visitors each year about its history and activities.

The main worship area includes 300 chairs that can be moved to provide a flexible space for community activities.

It means the building can serve as a centre for learning and wellbeing activities, which will be open to groups from across the Isle of Wight.

It will also include proper café facilities to serve visitors and guests.

Hannah Griffiths, the minster's community engagement co-ordinator, who helps to lead the toddler group based at the minster, said:

“We’re so excited about moving the Play Cafe into the minster in May.

"The extra space will be invaluable as we are starting to outgrow the space in the parish hall and the new six-slice toaster will really help with snack time!”

You can see a video showing the refurbished Newport Minster online.