Historic chapel given new lease of life

Built in the 1830s but derelict for a number of years, the Grade II listed Welsh Baptist Chapel in Upper Brook Street, Manchester is being converted into a residential scheme with the addition of a new steel interior.

A structurally independent steel composite frame has been erected inside the chapel to form a new six-storey apartment block.

The current work will also help remove the building from Historic England’s At Risk register, while restoration work will repair and revive the existing fabric. This includes retention and repair of the distinctive rose window, corbels and vaulted springers along with the reconstruction of the Chapel roof.

The scheme will provide high quality, private residential apartments within the Chapel and the adjacent Sunday school building. It will also incorporate a contemporary new build element providing facilities including a fitness room, cinema room and residents’ lounge.

Working on behalf of main contractor H.H. Smith, EvadX has fabricated, supplied and erected the project’s structural steelwork.