Sudbury Arts Centre is an award-winning, welcoming and progressive cultural and community venue housed within the stunning medieval Grade I listed redundant church of St Peter in the heart of Sudbury, Suffolk.
We are an inclusive and diverse venue that is a safe and friendly place for people from all walks of life to experience more arts and heritage through enriching cultural and social experiences.
With a growing programme of events, creative projects and activities, we pride ourselves on being accessible and a place for all, whether attending events, popping in for a coffee and a chat, learning new skills as a much-valued volunteer, or simply soaking up the atmosphere – we are here.
In May 2024, The Churches Conservation Trust were announced as the recipients of the prestigious Museums+Heritage Award for Conservation Project of the Year for the major project to repair and regenerate St Peter’s as Sudbury Arts Centre. The award not only recognises the high quality conservation work undertaken, but the partnership bringing the heart to the building with The Bridge Project.
On behalf of the judges, Bernard Donoghue OBE said “All of us judges were hugely impressed with this Churches Conservation Trust project. To professionally, meticulously conserve and repurpose this redundant grade I listed church to become a vibrant, inclusive, buzzy Arts Centre at the heart of Sudbury is an astonishing achievement. We particularly loved the fact that this project was more than conserving bricks and mortar, it was about introducing heart, warmth, welcome and love into the community. This is a showcase for conservation with love and care.”
Find out more about Sudbury Arts Centre by reviewing our heritage timeline.
“Irrespective of your your background, I think you’ll always find a home, a smile and a really good cup of coffee in Sudbury Arts Centre.”
Get Involved!
Find out more about our volunteer positions and the desirable skills needed to join the team.
Operated by The Bridge
Sudbury Arts Centre is proudly operated by The Bridge, a unique, creative social enterprise. We enable those living in Sudbury and surrounding areas to live well. We are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment to support those living with dementia, learning disabilities and those experiencing mental health issues.
Every penny spent at Sudbury Arts Centre helps to support The Bridge social enterprise and the upkeep of this very special venue. The Bridge operate as tenants under a lease agreement with the Churches Conservation Trust, which is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building. Both organisations are committed to working together in positive collaboration and transparency to ensure the future of this special place at the heart of the community.
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The regeneration programme explores opportunities to create something new within one of the buildings in our beautiful collection, making them relevant so they can sustain themselves and fulfil a new role in the community’s lives. Sudbury Arts Centre is an excellent example of this.
Isabel Assaly, Head of Regeneration at The Churches Conservation Trust