Church renovation and restoration, Bristol
Location Mangotsfield, Bristol
Completion date 2020
A Grade II* listed church restored to its former glory
Some parts of this Grade II* listed church dated back to the 13th century, and it had been rebuilt and altered in the 19th century, but by the early 21st century it was dark and cold, with uneven floor levels that made wheelchair access a problem. Our brief was to transform the church into a place of worship at the centre of the community – a space that could be used by everyone for a range of activities.
Given its status and history, renovating and transforming the building would require great care and sensitivity. What’s more, the full budget wasn’t in place when we were initially involved, so our first challenge was to work with the church team to help raise funds and manage their cashflow for the project.
A key issue was ensuring warmth in a large space with high ceilings. We proposed installing a fully insulated floor with ambient underfloor heating, backed up by responsive radiators throughout the building. The floor was lime screed and natural stone, so it fitted with the building’s historic character, while providing ambient warmth at ground level, where it is need most. The floor throughout the church was levelled for easy wheelchair access.
Stonework was restored and lime plaster added where needed. We restored damaged memorial stones and added new panelling and covers to keep radiators discreet. We installed new electrics and new plumbing, and fitted a new kitchen and two toilets, one with disabled access. We repaired the leaking roof and fitted new lighting. Finally, the entire church was redecorated.
The church has been transformed into a building full of light and warmth – fit for purpose as a community centre for the 21st century.
Church interior renovations
The team at Craft Renovations are experts at repairing, renovating and restoring historic churches, as well as other kinds of historic buildings to make them fully usable today.
You can view more of our projects here.
