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.
Exciting news to share! We are honoured to have been shortlisted as a finalist for the King of Prussia Gold Medal at the National Churches Trust`s Church Architecture Awards 2026 🏆
Our work on St John the Baptist in Rochdale, a Grade II* listed church famous for its striking domed form and sanctuary mosaic, has been recognised alongside some of the best church conservation projects in the country.
We`ve been working on St John`s since 2020, carrying out detailed surveys of the dome and clerestory and developing a full schedule of repairs to tackle decades of water damage and concrete decay, all while protecting the building`s incredible 1930s mosaic artwork.
Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a brilliant reflection of the hard work and care that`s gone into this project 🙏
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation #ChurchArchitecture
Oct 1
As Crosby Granger Architects continues to grow, we’re taking the opportunity to look at what that growth means for our people, our culture and the way we work together🤝
We’ve started working with RealiseHR on a programme designed to help us develop as a practice. Over the coming months, we’ll be looking at everything from our values and leadership to communication, collaboration and smarter ways of working.
We recently brought the whole team together for the first of a series of workshops, exploring where we’re heading, what growth means for our team and how we want to work together to get there!
Most importantly, the programme gives the whole team a voice in defining what’s important to us and the kind of practice we want to build.
Because sustainable growth isn’t just about the projects we deliver. It’s about investing in the people who make them possible.
Sep 23
Nestled in the Howgill Fells, the traditional barns at Thwaite Farm were deteriorating - until grant funding brought us onboard to help turn things around 🌾
Preserving their historic character was just as important to us as making them structurally sound. And while heritage conservation was the primary goal, the family needed them to remain practical, working farm buildings.
Watching these historic structures transform from vulnerable to secure was an emotional experience for the family - and we are so proud to have played a part in saving them for future generations.
This project is featured in our latest piece in Issue 52 of Conservation & Heritage magazine, alongside a look at how the approach used at Thwaite is now being applied across 21 further barns in Cumbria ✨
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation
Sep 7
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.
