Challenge
St James’ Church, a historic ecclesiastical building with origins dating back over three centuries, required a comprehensive internal reordering and refurbishment to mark its 325th anniversary.
The project required a careful balance between heritage conservation and modernisation, improving functionality, accessibility, and environmental performance while preserving the architectural and cultural significance of the building.
Works were undertaken within a live place of worship and within a compressed programme aligned to the anniversary celebrations, requiring a high level of coordination, specialist input, and programme control to achieve completion within a challenging timeframe.
Solution
We were appointed to lead the project from design through to delivery, coordinating a wide range of specialist conservation and refurbishment works.
Key elements of the scheme included:
Heritage Fabric & Conservation Works
- Restoration of stained glass leaded windows, including repair of associated timber frames and refurbishment of opening metal casements within the original window assemblies
- Engagement of specialist contractors to undertake coordinated conservation works to glazing, joinery, and metalwork
- Conservation and restoration of historic decorative features, including the Stations of the Cross, undertaken by specialist conservators North West Murals Ltd, incorporating cleaning, repair, and gold leaf gilding
- Paint analysis through scrape sampling to inform an appropriate heritage colour scheme
- Plaster investigation and repair of decorative cornice and internal finishes, including areas affected by historic water ingress
Structural & Building Fabric Works
- Structural investigation and localised strengthening of the choir gallery
- Repairs to suspended timber floor structures
- Removal of later coverings and full restoration of original oak parquet flooring
- Restoration and refurbishment of existing pews, retaining historic character while improving usability
Mechanical, Electrical & Building Services
- Replacement and rationalisation of the existing heating system, including removal of outdated boilers and installation of a more efficient and controllable system
- Upgrading of heating controls to improve operational performance and energy efficiency
- Reinstatement of appropriate ventilation strategies to support long-term building performance and protection of historic fabric
Reordering & Interior Enhancement
- Development of a revised internal layout to improve circulation, accessibility, and flexibility for modern use
- Sensitive reconfiguration of seating and liturgical space to accommodate contemporary requirements
- Enhancement of key areas including the sanctuary and side chapel, using traditional materials and techniques
- Establishment of a cohesive decorative scheme aligned with the building’s heritage context
Project Delivery
- Preparation of detailed specifications aligned with conservation principles
- Procurement and tendering of works
- Full contract administration and project management
- Coordination of multiple specialist trades within a constrained programme
Outcome
The project delivered a high-quality and sensitive transformation of the church interior, successfully combining conservation, refurbishment, and modernisation within a challenging programme.
Key outcomes included:
- Restoration and preservation of significant historic features
- Improved functionality, accessibility, and flexibility of the internal space
- Enhanced building services and operational efficiency
- High-quality finishes and cohesive visual identity throughout
- Successful delivery within a compressed programme aligned to the church’s 325th anniversary celebrations
Our work has been recognised in the press, including the transformation of Orrell St James’ Church, featured in the Catholic Pic (2025) and local media including Wigan Today, reflecting both the quality of the works and the successful delivery of a complex heritage project.
