Located in the centre of Blackburn, St. John’s Church, a beautifully historic Georgian building, was severely damaged by a fire three years ago, leaving only its bell tower and perimeter walls intact. After sitting unoccupied since, Blackburn and Darwen Council have now commissioned the development for a new lease of life for the building.
This case study outlines the pragmatic approach taken by renaissance engineers to convert the remains into a community office space, ensuring the project provides a considered solution that pays reverence to the building’s Grade II listed status.
The Challenge
The project’s most intricate task involved integrating modern structural solutions into a historically significant building. Given the church’s protected status, any intervention needed to be carefully considered to avoid compromising its heritage and architectural integrity.
The Solution
A collaborative team, including architects from OMI Architects, heritage experts from Crosby Grange and MEP services from Max Fordham was assembled to achieve the project’s ambition. The team’s primary focus was to design and construct a steel frame within the church’s existing walls that would support the new office space with minimal impact on the historic structure.
Efforts were concentrated on establishing new foundations that would not undermine the church’s existing walls. The project also required detailed inspections of the remaining timber-framed elements within the bell tower to ensure they were preserved and repaired where necessary.
Particular attention was paid to how the new roof would meet the existing walls, ensuring this junction was handled sensitively to maintain the building’s structural and aesthetic integrity. The introduction of new floors was planned with an emphasis on compatibility with the original building.
Heritage and Community Focus
The project team worked under the guiding principle of minimal intervention, with every effort made to preserve the building’s character. This approach extended to selecting materials and construction techniques that would be in harmony with the original features.
The conversion into office space was also designed with the community in mind, providing a resource that could be used and appreciated by local businesses and residents. This dual focus on heritage preservation and community benefit was central to the project’s ethos.
Environmental and Practical Considerations
Addressing environmental concerns, especially regarding drainage, was crucial due to the site being surrounded by a historic graveyard. The engineering solutions adopted were designed to be effective yet unobtrusive, ensuring the site’s historical context was preserved.
Conclusion
With a limited budget, the project to revitalise St. John’s Church has been a complex but rewarding challenge, balancing the brief for a modern office space with the sensitivities of working within a listed building. Through careful planning, collaboration, and respect for the church’s heritage, the project demonstrates a practical model for repurposing historic buildings.
The outcome is a facility that serves the client’s brief, while preserving an important piece of Blackburn’s architectural heritage.
