£1m lifeline for 'at risk' Sheffield church, designed by cathedral architect, over ‘irreversible ruin’ fears
Building has previously been included in the Heritage At Risk Register
Fresh hope has been given to a landmark Sheffield church, after concerns were raised that it could fall into ‘irreversible ruin’.
St Catherine of Siena Church on Richmond Road was built in 1959 to designs by Sir Basil Spence, architect of Coventry Cathedral, and has been a listed building since 1997.
But concerns were raised about its future because of deterioration to the building, which has previously been included in the Heritage At Risk Register.
Now nearly £1million has been offered towards the cost of saving the building, through Historic England’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund. The grant is for £973,632.
Emma Squire and Claudia Kenyatta, Co-CEOs, Historic England, said in a joint statement: “Historic places are at the heart of communities across England. They help shape the character and identity of the places we live, work and visit, and provide spaces where people can come together, connect and take part in community life.”
But now there are concerns about its future because of deterioration of the building, which has been included in the Heritage At Risk Register.
Plans which could save the building have been drawn up and sent to Sheffield Council for planning permission last year.
A report by Smith and Roper Architects and Surveyors outlined plans to fix the roof, amid concerns that if it is not repaired, the church will fall into ‘irreversible ruin’.
They stated: “It is feared that without appropriate and timely intervention on the fabric of the church; this structure may fall into irreversible ruin or lead to serious injury of the users of the space. The church is presently on the Heritage at Risk Register.”
Their report, accompanying a planning application, warned that the roof of the church has been an ongoing problem for its users since the completion of the building some 63 years ago.
The problem left pools of water inside which affected the church activities.
It had applied to Sheffield Council for planning permission for the replacement of the roof over the nave and chancel and intermediary clerestory windows .
They were looking at the possibility of using new, more modern materials in place of the original copper that was used in the 1950s when it was built, which has been discussed with church leaders.
But they were looking to keep the same general appearance.
The report adds: “The replacement of the copper roofs and clerestory of St Catherine of Siena will allow this church to made full use of for many years to come with more robust detailing to protect the significances and increase the longevity of the building fabric.
“This will ensure that this iconic Basil Spence church will remain a treasured part of Sheffield’s built landscape and will serve the community for generations to come.”
Grants have also been announced today for English Heritage’s Doncaster tourists attraction, Brodsworth Hall, and the Church of St Bartholomew, in Maltby, Rotherham.
Brodsworth Hall will receive repairs to its roof to conserve the fabric of the building.
Simon Bean, English Heritage's Assistant Director for the North of England, said: “Brodsworth Hall is one of Yorkshire’s historic jewels, a landmark full of fascinating stories. We are very grateful for this vital support. It will allow us to repair the roof, make the Hall better equipped to deal with changes to our climate, and help us to open spaces that are closed to the public.”
The planned work at St Bartholomew’s is for wide ranging repairs to a building with architecture spanning to the 10th to 19th centuries. The work will spread across the church tower and spire, alongside repair and conservation work to the West Tower window and the Georgian timber bell frame.