The distinctive brutalist Church of the Good Shepherd in Batheaston, near Bath, is on track to be preserved rather than demolished, thanks to a local construction company’s innovative plans.
Since its completion in 1967, the church has been a source of division within the village—admired by some for its bold design and dismissed by others for the same reason. After closing in 2020, the building faced demolition approval last year, with plans to replace it with housing. This prospect was welcomed by some residents but stirred significant opposition from others.
Now, Wraxall Builders, a Batheaston-based construction firm known for their adaptive reuse projects—including the transformation of Bath’s Quaker Meeting House into the Toppings bookshop—has emerged as the preferred buyer. Their vision is to convert the building into office space on the ground floor while repurposing the main worship area into a community childcare center, responding to a local demand.
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Henry Channer of Wraxall Builders, a Batheaston resident, expressed his enthusiasm: “I personally really like the building. It may not be conventionally beautiful from the outside, but inside it feels like a Tardis—much larger, unique, and inspiring.” He emphasized the importance of preserving standout architecture and meeting community needs simultaneously.
The company plans to finalize the purchase soon and submit a planning application after engaging with residents through a community drop-in session scheduled on June 10. The consultation will give locals the opportunity to view and discuss the proposed plans.
Designed by Bath architect Martin Fisher, who also designed St Peter and Paul’s in Combe Down, the church showcases poured concrete blocks and a distinctive sloping roof inspired by the tent of a travelling pilgrim rather than a traditional spire. Its largest window, a pioneering design in the UK, casts a dull grey from the exterior but reveals vibrant colors inside as light filters through.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is emblematic of the Catholic Church’s architectural evolution post-Vatican II, embracing brutalism ahead of other notable projects like Bristol’s Clifton Cathedral built three years later. Although the church closed during the pandemic due to declining attendance, architecture experts regard it as a significant example of mid-20th-century religious architecture and have listed it as a non-designated heritage asset.
As Mr. Channer put it: “It’s worth keeping.” Residents are encouraged to join the drop-in event and share their views on this exciting new chapter for a beloved local landmark.