The Church of St. John is a Grade II* listed landmark building in Rochdale, notable for its domed form, its use of reinforced concrete construction, and its nationally important sanctuary mosaic. Construction was started in 1925 under the Manchester architect Ernest Bower Norris to the earlier design of architect Oswald Hill. The apse and sanctuary is completely covered in a spectacular mosaic artwork by Eric Newton of Ludwig Oppenheimer Ltd, Blackburn. The mosaic, on the theme of Eternal Life, was completed in 1933.
The design of the church is architecturally significant because of its unusual symmetrical form (essentially a Maltese Cross on plan) and the sweeping domed main roof supported on a glazed clerestory with thirty-six arched windows. The ambitious reinforced concrete construction used the material to good effect by forming a simple and curvaceous interior. The nave is spanned by the self-supporting dome and is free of any columns or expressed structure.
Regrettably the building has had a long history of problems, principally relating to water ingress. Initially the concrete dome and the numerous subsidiary flats roofs were left as bare concrete, in the mistaken belief that the materials possessed sufficient waterproof properties. Subsequently the roofs were covered, first with mastic asphalt and later with bitumen felt in an attempt to prevent the water ingress.
More recently the problem of concrete decay due to carbonation has become a pressing issue. The clerestory structure is badly affected, and for a time the church had to be closed when spalling concrete started to fall into the nave.
The leaded lights of the clerestory are showing age-related deterioration, with several cracked quarries and rusting tie bars. The mosaic has also suffered as a result of the structural issues and water ingress affecting the sanctuary and apse. Areas of the mosaic have become detached from the background structure, and there are visible surface cracks and efflorescence.
The current design team undertook a detailed high-access examination of the dome and clerestory in 2020, as well as conducting a more holistic condition survey of the entire building. A specialist condition report on the mosaic was also commissioned.
Following the successful Round 1 NLHF grant application Crosby Granger Architects were appointed to lead the Development Phase of the project in September 2020, and assembled a design team of specialist advisers.
As part of this recording phase Historic England also carried out a high-resolution photographic survey of the 1932 Eric Newton mosaic, which has been modelled in 3D and can be viewed online. From the site survey work a full Schedule of Repairs was developed which, if carried out, would restore the full building to good structural, functional and cosmetic condition.
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 are restoring St Chad’s Church in Gateshead, a Grade I listed landmark known as the 'Cathedral for the Workers.' Our conservation work safeguards its high-Gothic architecture and Arts & Crafts interiors, ensuring the longevity of this community icon. This project reinforces our dedication to preserving places of historic and cultural significance.
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.
We’re proud to share that our Whole Estate Plan for Higham Estate was endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority on 10 June 2025. This makes Higham only the second estate in Cumbria to achieve WEP endorsement!
Working alongside the new owners and in partnership with the National Park Authority, we created a holistic, long-term strategy for the next 20+ years - one that balances the estate’s need for economic resilience with the Park’s duty to safeguard this exceptional landscape.
This endorsement marks a significant step toward a future where Higham Estate enhances the landscape, supports local people and businesses, and contributes to the wider aims of the National Park.
#WholeEstatePlan #LakeDistrictNationalPark #HighamEstate
May 13
Join us at Holker Hall for an insightful event exploring how Whole Estate Planning is helping rural estates build long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Chris and Luke from Crosby Granger Architects will share our holistic approach to estate planning, alongside insights from CSX Carbon on the financial and environmental opportunities presented by Biodiversity Net Gain strategies.
The day will also include networking opportunities, lunch, an overview of the Holker Estate and a panel Q&A featuring representatives from the Lake District National Park Authority.
Whether you are a landowner, estate manager or rural professional, this event offers valuable insight into the future of sustainable estate management.
Spaces are limited, both CLA members and non-members are welcome.
📍 Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
🕙 10am–2pm
🎟 £35 + VAT
Link in our bio for more info & to book your place!
#RuralBusiness #EstateManagement #BiodiversityNetGain #LandManagement #Sustainability #WholeEstatePlanning #CLA
May 13
Introducing Higham Estate 🌿
Nestled in one of the world’s most admired landscapes, Higham Estate spans 1,170 acres in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now under new ownership after over 100 years, Higham is entering a bold new chapter.
Last year our team were entrusted to create a Whole Estate Plan, a 20-year vision to secure a sustainable, thriving future for the estate, its people and the environment. And it`s finally time to share the results!
This is more than a plan - it’s a commitment to preserve heritage, enhance biodiversity, support the local economy and create inspiring experiences for visitors.
Stay tuned as we share how Higham Estate is shaping the future of sustainable land management in the Lake District.
#LandManagement #StrategicPlanning #EstateOwners
May 12
