Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was fortunate to welcome new leadership from a young and inspired Reverend who, along with the Parish of St. Cuthbert, raised funds to restore the building to its former glory.

MacConvilles led a project team of Parish members, Conservationists and Consultants to rejuvenate this historic structure, creating a new scheme to bring the church into the 21st century.

As with many older buildings, the church had fallen into disrepair due to age and lack of intuitive maintenance. Following a complete building survey, MacConvilles worked with the Parish to design a new, brighter, more inviting, fully functioning space.

The church underwent a complete refurbishment, both inside and out. The old, fragile roof was removed and replaced with added insulation for better energy efficiency. The exterior was also treated to a new lime-based render.

The hidden gem of this project was the discovery and refurbishment of the church bell that no one knew existed. Specialist bell restorers repaired the bell and installed a new electromagnetic-operated chime hammer. Specialist state-of-the-art audio equipment, energy-efficient lighting, and a new heating system have been installed in the church to eliminate cold winter services.

PROJECT CATEGORIES

CDM & Principal Designer, Contract Administration, Cost Management and Quantity Surveying

ClIENT

Diocese of Arundel and Brighton

Team member

Pat Begley, Jai Bray, Charles Haywood

Programme

22 weeks

Our role

Principal Designer, Contract Administrator and Quantity Surveyor

Contractor

Corniche Construction Limited

Procurement

Traditional JCT Intermediate Contract

The team at MacConvilles honoured the church’s original features by using specialised techniques to preserve its architecture. Taking inspiration from the church’s historic colour palette for the new interior scheme but adding lighter and fresher tones to give the space a modern and bright feel, skilled artisans meticulously decorated the space, including the vaulted ceilings, resulting in a stunning visual experience. Alongside the aesthetic improvement, the renovation also focused on making the space accessible for all, including disability access throughout, demonstrating a deep commitment to inclusivity. The church has been renovated and now serves as an ideal setting for weddings and other events, fostering a space the community can enjoy.

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