Havant MP gives thumps up to Stansted Park's chapel renovation

Havant MP Alan Mak was looking at the £400,000 refurbishment of St Paul’s Chapel at the historic Stansted Park country house and estate in Rowlands Castle.

The work involved both interior and external repairs to the building, which in part dates back more than 1,000 years, including re-roofing of the chancel, external stone work, repointing and underground drainage works.

Mr Mak was given a tour of the country estate and the Grade II-listed Edwardian country house by estate director James Cooper.

And he was there for the opening of this year’s Stansted Park Garden Show where he met about 300 stall-holders on the day, which draws in around 15,000 spectators over the course of its three-day run until last Sunday.

Mr Mak said: ‘I was delighted to see Stansted Park’s newly-refurbished chapel, and help welcome visitors on the first day of the show.

‘It was great to see so many visitors enjoying the stalls and attractions.

‘Well done to James and the team for putting on such a great show.’

‘Our area is a real hot spot for visitors across the country and from abroad.

‘We must make the most of our assets to draw in more visitors and boost our 
thriving tourism sector further.’

Funding for the chapel project came from a £400,000 grant from the National Lottery.

Mr Cooper said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Alan to the estate to give his support to the Garden Show and our ongoing programme of events and attractions.

‘Our chapel, which dates in part from Domesday, will be a real draw for visitors over the coming months.’

Work on the chapel began in February and after four months work was completed earlier this month.

Stansted Park sees an estimated 200,000 visitors to the estate each year

In addition to being a busy country estate, the park has a farm shop, garden centre and hosts weddings.