St Augustine’s church in Ramsgate has received a £600,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help fund a new visitor centre.

The centre aims to tell the stories of Augustus Pugin and St Augustine of Canterbury.

With additional works, the total cost for the project is expected to be up to £1 million.

The architect Pugin lived and is buried in Ramsgate, he designed over 200 buildings including much of the interior of the House of Parliament, the world famous clock tower Big Ben and St Augustine’s church until his death.

He built the church between 1845 and 1852 next to his home The Grange on the clifftop at Ramsgate.

As part of the project Pugin’s church will be open every day providing displays to interpret his work and the story of St Augustine and will open up a research area for students and scholars.

Rector of St Augustine’s church Fr Marcus Holden said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this grant, not only for ourselves but for Ramsgate as a whole.

“The Pugin and St Augustine Education, Research and Visitor Centre will allow us to bring alive the intertwined stories of Pugin and St Augustine, opening up the church to everyone, attracting community involvement and visitors from across the UK and beyond.

“It is wonderful news that we are now a step closer to providing new facilities in St Augustine’s to view, learn and study about this great architect and the saint to whom he dedicated the site.”

Centre manager John Coverdale said: “People are so interested in the hidden histories we have here and how good it will be to open it all up to the public.

“It is great to see so many people – from across the world – show such enthusiasm and support for this excellent project.

“We have developed links with so many people and institutions and thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund grant, St Augustine’s has a great and fascinating future.”

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Stuart McLeod said: “Pugin is widely known around the world for his pioneering role in the Gothic Revival and the Palace of Westminster’s impressive interiors but his important links with Ramsgate are generally less appreciated.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project will help to redress that balance.

“Through the new education, research and visitor centre, the stories of this important local church and that of Pugin himself can be told properly to visitors for the first time.”