From rot to regeneration

The transformation of St Paul’s Church, Portland Square, Bristol

This late 18th-century church in the heart of Bristol was vested with us in 1997.

It was in a tragic state decay caused by water ingress, dry rot, vandalism, theft, arson and pigeon infestation – and used by drug addicts and prostitutes.

 

What we did

Between 2001 and 2004, we undertook the vast task of repairing, cleaning, conserving and regenerating the church in order to return it to the community for daily use.

Now complete, it stands as magnificent as when it was built in 1789 and it lifts the square of which it is the focal point.

High wire heritage

The church is now the base for Circomedia - the leading centre for circus combined with physical theatre in Europe, which undertakes a range of community work. They took on their own adaptation project and installed a 10m high flying trapeze rig and a 15m x 17m sprung dance floor.

Our partnership with Circomedia assures the future of St Paul’s church and gives it a new lease of life within the community. The mix of fine 18th-century architecture and design combined with modern, state-of-the-art equipment is a stunning sight.

The historic building is open every day to the public. The activities are there for all to see as there is a glass screen dividing the nave and vestibule, which now has a café, forming a viewing area.

Conservation Awards

Between 2005 and 2007 we proudly received three awards for this project – for Community Benefit from RICS Awards 2007; for Architectural Heritage from Europa Nostra in 2006 and for best re-use of a Georgian building from The Georgian Group in 2005. We were also commended in the category of Building Conservation from RICS Awards 2007.

View certificate for RICS Awards - winner
View certificate for Europa Nostra
View certificate for The Georgian Group (watch this space)
View certificate for RICS Awards - commendation

Project team - conservation

CCT Conservation Manager: Brian Clark
Building Surveyor: Philip Hughes Associates
Quantity Surveyor: Bare Leaning & Bare
Structural Engineer: David Ellis Associates
Contractor: Carrek Ltd

Project team - adaptation

Led by: Circomedia, with CCT consulting
Architect: Lamberts
Aerial rig designer: Jonathan Graham
Contractor: Spillers

Find out how you can contribute to work like this in the future

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