Value: £1.4m                      Client: Buttress

Rosslee were awarded on behalf of the Parochial Church Council the internal renovation of the Grade II Listed church in Salford. The building dates from 1869 but was substantially damaged during an arson attack in 2017, which left only the building shell and arcade walls in place. This phase of works followed the external and roof repair works completed in 2020.

Works included the protection of the existing heritage features including the carved columns in the nave. Extensive scaffolding was carefully erected internally to allow access for the ceiling works and traditional lime plastering of the existing walls. New utilities connections and MEP systems were required with the installation of the basement plantroom with a new steel staircase leading to it.

Refurbishment and fit-out works included the office and administration facilities being created, along with toilets and a new catering kitchen to allow the church to accommodate larger community events. Installation of some new partitioned walls, with plastering throughout, and then finished. Internally, a level floor was introduced throughout the church to improve accessibility and underfloor heating was installed to enhance the internal environment. The stone floor was fitted by specialist stonemason subcontractors. Three floor to ceiling bespoke timber screens and doors were produced and fitted. Completion works included new fixtures and fittings to bathrooms and kitchen, rooms tiled and decorated, and hung lighting fixtures were also fitted.

A modern and flexible worship space has been created using moveable furniture which currently seats up to 200 people with space for this number to be increased.

“We have worked hard to painstakingly bring the Church of the Ascension back to life. Now complete, we look forward to seeing it become a real asset for the community once again.”

Steve Welsh, Studio Principal, Buttress