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Frank Rogers
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St Mary’s Church - Accessibility and Refurbishment Works

Case studies

St Mary’s Church - Accessibility and Refurbishment Works

Scope: Accessibility improvements, internal refurbishments, heritage lighting, bespoke joinery and conservation works.

The challenge

St Mary’s Church is a historic community landmark with a rich architectural and cultural heritage. The project required careful balance between improving accessibility and modernising facilities while protecting and enhancing the building’s historic character. Key challenges included delivering complex works in a live worship environment, preserving original features, and integrating new systems without disrupting the church’s historic fabric.

St Mary’s Church - Accessibility and Refurbishment Works
Quote

Everyone has had nothing but praise for how you've all done the reordering. The level of craftsmanship and finish is of the highest order and, on a personal level, I massively appreciate the care that has/still is being taken as regards the pulpit, lectern and their respective inscriptions. Sitting at the front, today, I was able to witness the new arrangements for accessing the altar in action (a big success), and I like the way all the wires and electrics have been squirrelled away, out of sight. The kitchen is such a huge improvement and Pam seems very happy behind the new refreshments counter. Everything has had a very good workout and has been successful.  The opening up of the crypt being a juicy little cherry on the cake

Jane Score, Family Archivist

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Solution

The solution

Frank Rogers deployed a specialist heritage team to deliver the scheme with precision and sensitivity:

  • Accessibility – Installed new level access routes, handrails and reconfigured circulation areas to improve inclusivity.
  • Adaptive re-use of materials – Old pews were carefully dismantled and repurposed into bespoke joinery features, including a new serving table and accessible handrails, ensuring sustainability and heritage continuity.
  • Joinery and doors – New oak doors were installed, while existing historic doors were retained and displayed as features around the new openings.
  • Heritage lighting and electrics – Specialist copper conduit was installed to preserve the historic aesthetic of the crypt, with craftsmanship continuing a family legacy as one of our electrician’s fathers had worked on the same building in the 1930s.
  • Discovery and additional works – During the programme, our team uncovered a historic family vault. This required the supply and installation of a secure access hatch and careful liaison with heritage specialists to manage the discovery respectfully.
  • Fabric and finishes – Works included a mix of timber suspended and solid concrete floors, jet washing and resealing of the external crypt access, rodding and jetting of the crypt gullet, and full heritage cleaning works.

The outcome

The completed works delivered:

  • Improved accessibility for all visitors, ensuring safe and inclusive access.
  • Retained and celebrated historic features while introducing modern functionality.
  • Bespoke craftsmanship that reused original timbers, reducing waste and preserving history.
  • A respectful and considered approach to unexpected discoveries, reinforcing the importance of heritage in community spaces.

This project is a showcase of Frank Rogers’ ability to deliver technically challenging heritage refurbishments—combining traditional craftsmanship, sustainability, and modern safety standards to protect and enhance historic buildings for future generations.

St Mary’s Church - Accessibility and Refurbishment Works

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