Important update about the Marylebone Project

In February 2025, Church Army began a major strategic review to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation. As part of this process, Church Army made the difficult decision to step back from running large-scale projects, including the Marylebone Project, which had made £2m of losses over the previous four years.

Since then, Church Army has explored options to secure the future of the buildings for charitable use.

In the hope that the project might be able to continue, Church Army had been in lengthy negotiations with Westminster City Council, since February 2025. As part of that process the council commissioned an appraisal and survey of the buildings and concluded that despite all efforts the financial commitment to invest in the provision would be significant and they were unable to proceed. In December 2025, the Council confirmed that it would not be progressing with a bid.

As a result, Church Army is now taking forward the next phase of its plan. This involves wider marketing of the buildings in early 2026 and working towards a carefully managed transition for residents and staff. This will ultimately lead the project to close on 30 September 2026.

Support for women currently living at the Marylebone Project remains the priority, and the project will continue to provide vital accommodation and support whilst the residents are resettled over the next eight months. Church Army is committed to ensuring that every woman is supported through a safe, dignified transition into appropriate alternative accommodation.

Church Army will now begin a structured process to identify a purchaser for the buildings with a clear focus on compassion, care and continuing support for the women who call the Marylebone Project home.