Star date: 20th June 2017

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION TO BE RESTORED WITHIN TWO YEARS

The Grade II listed Church of the Ascension in Lower Broughton, destroyed by a huge blaze in February, is to be restored within the next two years by Buttress, the same company that is working on the fire-hit 16th Century Wythenshawe Hall.

"The destruction of the building by fire has been a devastating blow for all who live and work here" says the Ascension's Canon David Wyatt "With the expert help now available to us we are confident that the church will live again."

Full details here...

In February this year, a massive fire hit the Grade II listed Church of the Ascension in Lower Broughton leaving just a shell, much to the devastation of the local community (see previous Salford Star article for background – click here).

At one point it looked like the building would have to be demolished (see here) but in March, the Ascension's Canon David Wyatt told the Salford Star that there would be attempts to restore the Church (see here). Today, there is an announcement that work could be complete within two years.

Architects Buttress, which has worked on projects including Lincoln Cathedral, the Holy Cross Church in Manchester and the restoration of arson-hit 16th Century Wythenshawe Hall, has  been appointed to bring the Church of the Ascension back to life.

The first phase of work will involve an assessment of the condition of the remaining structure, which will be completed alongside research into the building's history to help identify surviving features of architectural, historic and social significance.

Then, once the building has been fully stabilised, the roof will be rebuilt and masonry repair work will be carried out to the remaining fabric. Internally, spaces for worship will be created and the architects will work with the church to draw up plans for improved community facilities.

"For over 150 years the Church of the Ascension has been a sacred space for the people of Lower Broughton" says Canon David Wyatt "In recent years people have worked hard and given generously to repair and restore the building, creating a paradise garden and caring for the environment.

"The destruction of the building by fire has been a devastating blow for all who live and work here" he adds "With the expert help now available to us we are confident that the church will live again. Buttress has extensive experience in historic and ecclesiastical restoration projects, and we look forward to utilising this experience to create a building that will continue to serve the community for many years to come."

The restoration could be complete by the end of 2019..."The Church of the Ascension is a much-loved building and has played an important role in the community in both spiritual and social terms" explains David Shatwell, Director at Buttress "We look forward to working with the church to bring the building back to life and integrate new structures and modern facilities that will respond to the needs of the church and the community it serves."