Buttress to restore historic fire-damaged church

Architects’ practice Buttress has been appointed to bring the Church of the Ascension in Lower Broughton, Salford back to life, after it was devastated by a fire in February this year.

The Grade II-listed church, which dates from 1869, was badly damaged in the fire and only the building shell and columns remain
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The first phase of work will involve an assessment of the condition of the remaining structure, which will be completed alongside research into the building’s history to help identify surviving features of architectural, historic and social significance.

Once the building has been fully stabilised, the roof will be rebuilt and masonry repair work will be carried out to the remaining fabric.

Internally, spaces for worship will be created and the architects will work with the church to draw up plans for improved community facilities.

Canon David Wyatt, said: “For more than 150 years the Church of the Ascension has been a sacred space for the people of Lower Broughton.

“In recent years people have worked hard and given generously to repair and restore the building, creating a paradise garden and caring for the environment.

“The destruction of the building by fire has been a devastating blow for all who live and work here.

“With the expert help now available to us we are confident that the church will live again. Buttress has extensive experience in historic and ecclesiastical restoration projects, and we look forward to utilising this experience to create a building that will continue to serve the community for many years to come.”

David Shatwell, director at Buttress, said: “The Church of the Ascension is a much-loved building and has played an important role in the community in both spiritual and social terms. We look forward to working with the church to bring the building back to life and integrate new structures and modern facilities that will respond to the needs of the church and the community it serves.”

The appointment is the one of three fire damage projects currently being handled by Buttress. Earlier in the year, the practice was appointed to rebuild the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter after it was destroyed by fire in October 2016. Buttress is also restoring the 16th century manor house, Wythenshawe Hall, which was damaged by an arson attack in March 2016.

The project expected to take two years to complete.