Chester Diocese
News Item – Wed 7 July 2004
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A modern design in an ancient church
WORK is complete on phase one of the restoration of St Michael and All Angels, the principal church in the centre of Macclesfield. The church, which stands next to the Town Hall, had been closed for 11 months while £1.44 million of improvements were completed, including rewiring, interior stone cleaning, a new heating system and the insertion into the west end of a modern narthex and associated rooms on three floors. A parish office has been created under the medieval tower. The object behind the improvements is to keep the church open during the week and to develop its mission. The church will be kept open daily for prayer. The improvements were designed by architect s Barlow, Wright and Phelps of Buxton. The principle contractor was Ian Martin Buildings of Dukinfield. Canon John Briggs said: “The reopening is a significant event. We had to face a consistory court over it. The scheme shows what can be done, sensitively and boldly with an historic building. “We had an opening service with some 300 people there, and there wasn’t a single negative comment. The congregation is thrilled with the outcome.” The next phase of the restoration will be the creation of a youth centre and the completion of disabled access facilities.
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Modern: the new west end.
Traditional: the east end of the church. |
