Set in an urban context in a poor and deprived area of Gateshead, St Chad’s was built as a ‘Cathedral for the Workers’ and is now on the Historic England Heritage at Risk register. The looming exterior does not prepare one for the shimmering interior, rich with a mix of high-gothic and rich fixtures and fitting from the Arts and Crafts Movement.
In the 1980s the rear west end of the church was stripped of pews and a significantly sized community hall was added, covering two-thirds of the nave. The community hall is now tired, and its use dwindling.
Crosby Granger Architects have worked on several phases of repair, mostly associated with the roofs, of which there are 11. The first phase of works saw the tower and nave roof re-roofed, following a successful application to the Roof Repair Fund. Since then, several small areas of repairs have been carried out where dry-rot has caused issue, and leaks through one of the many gutters.
A large commercial kitchen has just been completed as part of a recent phase of works, to enable the church to recommence their lunch club, and also attract other groups that wish to deliver cookery classes.
At present, Chloe Granger is part of the team guiding the PCC through a National Lottery Heritage Fund application. If successful, the works will ensure all roofs are re-roofed to ensure the longevity of the fabric. The interior community hall will be overhauled, including the introduction of a lift and other adaptations to ensure that the building is fully accessible.
The activities wrapped up into the NLHF application are a-plenty, many of which are directly related to the building and traditional skills training; a key part of any project these days, whether NLHF funded or not, to increase awareness in heritage and increase interest in the craftsmanship and skills required to repair, conserve and adapt them for the future.
DISCIPLINES COVERED IN COMMISSION:
• Site evaluation and historic building assessments, including structural surveys,
• Production and review of Heritage significance statements,
• Technical advice on details of conservation and design for listed buildings,
• Application and gaining of statutory consents,
• Detailed technical repair and alteration, and giving of technical advice to client,
• Consultation with a range of professional disciplines,
• Grant application assistance and advice,
• Delivery of contract from inception through to completion on site.
We were honored to have led the award-winning restoration of Eshton Hall, a Grade II* listed country house in North Yorkshire 🏆
Our work addressed previous substandard repairs, focusing on roof and guttering systems to prevent water ingress and structural damage. This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving historic estates through sensitive, sustainable interventions.
#Restoration #Architecture #HistoricEngland
Mar 12
Bringing new life to Fazeley Town Centre 👷
Our proposals transformed the historic mill into 50 characterful apartments, arranged around a central corridor, with a contemporary new escape stair sensitively added to complement the building’s scale and industrial heritage.
The annex was divided into a range of 2-4 bedroom townhouses while make full use of the annex and its dual aspect which over looks the canal and the new residential units being constructed within the wider site 🙌
#Conservation #Architecture #HistoricEngland
Mar 10
We`re proud to be working with Levens Hall Estate on a carefully agreed programme of conservation works guided by a deep respect for the site’s history, heritage and environment....
The works include:
🌿 The re-roofing of the cockloft
🌿 Chimney repairs and limewashing
🌿 Comprehensive leadwork replacement
🌿 Timber repairs
🌿 Repairs to gutters and downpipes
Alongside the physical works, the project places a strong emphasis on skills-sharing, with training provided to the estate team and estate workers from neighbouring properties. This involved training in traditional materials and techniques, including limewash, lime mortars and leadwork. Additional CPD days will open this knowledge more widely, supporting best practice in the care, repair and understanding of historic buildings.
Through every stage our approach remains rooted in context, preserving the past while building for the future.
Drone credit: @wham.visuals
#Conservation #Architecture #Kendal
Feb 19
Built in the 1850s, Hutchinson’s Buildings feature a striking curved façade and Corinthian columns. Our restoration work revitalizes these defining elements, safeguarding their architectural integrity. By adapting the space for contemporary use, this project showcases our expertise in restoring heritage structures while ensuring their relevance for modern needs.
St Helen’s Church, a Grade I listed medieval structure, is undergoing vital conservation to address masonry deterioration caused by unsuitable past repairs. Our work focuses on carefully repointing with traditional lime mortar, ensuring the building’s long-term stability. By preserving its historic fabric, we safeguard its architectural and cultural significance, allowing future generations to appreciate its heritage.
Appointed to work on the renowned St Oswald's Church in Grasmere, set within the idyllic village in the Lake District, Crosby Granger Architects is undertaking sensitive conservation efforts. Our focus includes preserving the church's historic features and ensuring its structural integrity, allowing this iconic place of worship to continue serving the community and visitors alike.
We have been appointed architects for Muncaster Castle, and conducted a series of ongoing conservation work to protect this Grade I listed historic site. Our research, condition surveys, and restoration efforts ensure the longevity of this architectural treasure. This project highlights our expertise in heritage stewardship, maintaining the castle’s legacy while enhancing its visitor experience.
