Date
2019-2021
Client
St Philip & St James Church Council
Location
Leckhampton, Cheltenham
Cost
£3m
Collaborators
Ken Biggs Contractors, EEP, Clarke Nicholls Marcel, Illman Young Landscape Design, RIBA 0-3 by RRA Architects
Awards
Cheltenham Civic Society Award 2024 -Renovation & Restoration
Transformation of Grade II* listed church to community hub.
In 2019, Ferguson Mann Architects undertook the task of delivering the reordering of St Philip & St James Church in Leckhampton, Cheltenham. The church lies within the “The Park” conservation area in Cheltenham and is listed Grade II* due to it being a particularly well-executed example of Gothic Revival architecture, with high quality detailing and use of materials. There is also significant historical interest in the church as crypt includes the first columbarium in the country, which was added in 1963.
Faculty approval was granted for extensive internal reordering works which include the removal of existing pews, a new raised stone floor with underfloor heating and modern pod installations containing servery, office and meeting room facilities. The works also comprised a new WC fit out to include accessible WC arrangements and improved ramp access, alongside M&E services.
The redesign seeks to modernise and improve accessibility to the church, as well as to provide an offering to the wider community, whilst still preserving the character of the building.
Photo credit to Emma Painter at Pacific Curd Photography and Ken Biggs Contractors.









