Exciting plans to open up St Peter’s Church tower, the secret garden, crypt and a new cafe have been revealed.

A consultation event with a presentation will be held at the church on Thursday, September 10, from 4pm with the presentation at 6pm.

Architect Malcolm Fryer will explain his proposals to open up the church tower to the public for the first time.

The medieval church provides a perfect viewing point for the whole of Sandwich but access to the roof is limited to a series of steep ladders.

This means work is needed to make sure it complies with health and safety before the public can be treated to the spectacular views of the town.

Mr Fryer’s plan will include a wooden staircase leading past the famous curfew bell and onto the roof.

Anne Evans, chairman of Friends of St Peter’s said: “The Friends of St Peter’s have had a vision for many years of the future of the church. It now seems that our dreams have every possibility of coming true.”

Part of the plans will also mean opening up the secret garden as well as adding toilet facilities.

There will also be a cafe pod situated inside the church where the organ is now and a seating area inside as well as on the green.

There will also be an interpretation of what the crypt would have looked like all those years ago and some information on its history for visitors.

Bob Ward, honorary treasurer of the Friends of St Peter’s, said the proposals will be going forward at a quick pace as the Churches Conservation Trust, which owns the church, has until early next year to cash in on a grant from the government.

This means the tower could be opened as early as March next year.

Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Paul Graeme said: “Having been involved in the town of Sandwich for many years, and particularly with St Peter’s Church, I think these plans are exciting and should revolutionise St Peter’s which already has an enormous number of visitors during the year. I wish this project every success which will not only be beneficial to St Peter’s but to Sandwich’s tourist initiatives.”

The consultation event gives the public the chance to view the plans and give any feedback.

For more information call 01223 324442 or email southeast@thecct.org.uk