In the village of Batheaston, near Bath, a striking example of Brutalist architecture is at risk of being lost. The Church of the Good Shepherd, a concrete and polycarbonate structure completed in 1967, faces demolition to make way for four new houses. However, local residents and heritage advocates are urging the Diocese of Clifton to reconsider, proposing that the church be preserved and adaptively reused instead.
Designed by Bath architect Martin Fisher in response to the Second Vatican Council’s call for ‘noble simplicity,’ this church embodies the bold architectural spirit of the 1960s. With its distinctive sloping roof and translucent walls, it stands as a unique local landmark within the village conservation area. While opinions on Brutalism remain divided—some see it as austere, others as visionary—the church is undeniably a significant part of the area’s architectural and social history.
Adaptive reuse of former churches is a growing trend across the UK, with numerous successful examples in Bath and beyond. Nearby, Trinity Church has been transformed into co-working offices, and a former Friends Meeting House now thrives as an independent bookshop. Elsewhere, disused churches become arts centres, theatres, and community hubs. The Church of the Good Shepherd’s open layout and distinctive design make it a promising candidate for conversion into a community-focused space.
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Preserving the church is not merely about saving a building; it encompasses heritage, sustainability, and community.
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Heritage: Heritage extends beyond historic Georgian and medieval structures to include modernist and Brutalist buildings that reflect societal change. Though not nationally listed, the Good Shepherd is a valued local heritage asset. Demolishing it would erase a unique chapter of local history.
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Sustainability: Demolition wastes embodied carbon—the environmental cost of constructing the original building. Retrofitting existing buildings is a much greener alternative, aligning with ongoing commitments to reduce carbon footprints and fight climate change.
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Community: Over 120 local residents have voiced opposition to demolition, expressing that the church contributes to the village’s character. Their engagement underscores the importance of inclusive conversations about heritage and adaptive reuse.
The challenge facing the Good Shepherd is emblematic of a wider dilemma: many mid-20th-century buildings lack formal protection due to their perceived modernity, yet their loss diminishes cultural richness. The history of Bath, marked by past demolition controversies, offers a cautionary tale. Yet, examples like Clifton Cathedral remind us that perceptions can change and once-controversial buildings can gain appreciation over time.
Though planning permission for demolition exists, the church’s fate is not sealed. Advocates encourage the Diocese to explore adaptive reuse options that honor the building’s architectural significance and serve the community. Instead of losing a bold, luminous landmark, Batheaston could retain an important piece of its heritage while meeting current needs sustainably.