St Peter's
| Client | Ancoats Building Preservation Trust (now Heritage Works) |
| Location | Ancoats, Manchester |
| Status | Grade II listed |
| Summary | Large scale repair and restoration programme, mainly focused on the envelope, to allow alternative fit-out at a later date |
| Completion | January 2006 |
| Build Value | £1.3m |
St Peter's stands at the heart of the industrial suburb of Ancoats and once served the bustling community that grew up alongside the prosperous cotton mills of the area. Designed in 1859 by Isaac Holden the building is a fine example of an unusual architectural style, Rundbogenstill, that originated in Germany.
The building's simple red brick elevations were a response to the limited budget available at the time of construction. However, the innovative use of iron within the building sets it apart from its contempories. Slender cast iron columns rise to ornate foliate capitals which support the segmental arches of the clerestorey. The gentle arched form of the nave ceiling is adorned by matching trusses incorporating cast iron spandrel panels. A single remaining gasolier was repaired and provided a template for two new gasoliers to complete the ceiling configuration.
Whilst originally designed to accommodate 1350 people congregations had fallen to such a level that the church was closed in the 1960s. This triggered a spiral of decline which left the church in a ruinous condition until it was acquired by Ancoats Buildings Preservation Trust. The Trust has worked tirelessly to secure funds to save the building and to identify a sustainable end use.
A substantial HLF grant has allowed LEP to complete a full restoration of the building envelope and the reinstatement of principal internal features such as the ceilings and gasoliers. The restored shell has been monitored and maintained to ensure its suitability for reuse.
ABPT's continued efforts are to securing the long term future of the building, ideally maintaining its public use.
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