In the village of Batheaston near Bath, a unique example of Brutalist architecture—the Church of the Good Shepherd—is facing imminent demolition. Closed in 2020, the Diocese of Clifton has permission to replace it with four houses. However, local residents, united through a petition with over 600 signatures, are urging the bishop to allow them the opportunity to purchase and preserve the building instead.
Designed by Bath architect Martin Fisher and completed in 1967, the Church of the Good Shepherd exemplifies the architectural boldness inspired by the Second Vatican Council’s call for ‘noble simplicity’ in church design. Its raw concrete form, dramatic sloping tent-like roof, and translucent polycarbonate walls capture the essence of Brutalism—a style that reveals the honesty of materials through minimal, geometric forms. While some view Brutalist buildings as harsh or cold, others appreciate their architectural ambition and social significance as symbols of post-war modernism.
Though modest compared to iconic post-war landmarks like Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Bristol’s Clifton Cathedral, the Good Shepherd shares their spirit of innovation. Despite not being nationally listed, it holds local heritage significance as one of the few Brutalist churches in the Bath area and represents an important chapter in the region’s architectural history.
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The question of why demolish such a building resonates deeply with many locals. Adaptive reuse—converting historic structures into vibrant new spaces—is gaining momentum nationwide and within Bath itself. Examples include Bath’s Trinity Church, now a co-working space, and the former Friends Meeting House, transformed into a popular independent bookshop. Elsewhere, decommissioned churches have become arts venues, theatres, and even climbing walls.
The Good Shepherd’s simple, open interior offers great potential for flexible community-focused reuse. Residents are ready and eager to support such a transformation, recognizing several compelling reasons to preserve rather than demolish:
Heritage: Preservation extends beyond classical architecture to include modernist and Brutalist buildings that narrate societal change. Losing the Good Shepherd would erase a valuable local story forever.
Sustainability: Demolition wastes decades of embodied carbon. Retrofitting the church aligns with climate commitments by reducing environmental impact far more than new construction.
Community: Over 120 objections to demolition highlight the building’s cultural importance and the need for inclusive conversations about heritage and reuse.
This debate mirrors a broader challenge facing mid-20th century structures—often overlooked because they are too modern to be deemed historic yet too aged to be trendy. Just as Clifton Cathedral transitioned from derision to admiration, the Good Shepherd could similarly be revaluated if spared.
With demolition not yet underway, Batheaston’s residents urge the Diocese of Clifton to reconsider. While new housing meets certain needs, it should not come at the cost of erasing a distinctive, community-valued landmark. Adaptive reuse can transform the Good Shepherd from a liability into a cherished asset, preserving its bold design and luminous character for generations to come.