Nestled in the charming village of Batheaston, on the edge of Bath, stands an architectural treasure that many have overlooked—the Church of the Good Shepherd. Designed in the 1960s by local architect Martin Fisher, this modernist Catholic church boldly contrasts with its Georgian surroundings, featuring a striking brutalist design with an angular roof that rises prominently above the village High Street.
The church’s exterior is characterized by grey poured concrete walls, punctuated only by a small blue window that forms a serene alcove housing a Madonna and Child statue. From the outside, its expansive south and east walls appear muted, but inside, light floods through colorful windows, casting a vibrant glow across the interior—a spectacle only visible when the church is illuminated at night.
Despite its architectural significance, the church closed after the Covid-19 lockdown due to a dwindling congregation. Last year, Bath and North East Somerset Council approved plans to demolish the building and replace it with housing, a decision met with mixed reactions. While some residents viewed the church as an “ugly mistake,” others, including conservation experts and over 800 petitioners, fought to preserve this mid-20th century landmark.
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Acknowledging its cultural value, the Council for British Archaeology described the church as a “characteristic and interesting example of mid-twentieth century religious architecture,” and local conservation officer Caroline Power supported its local listing to safeguard its unique presence in the community.
Now, a new chapter is unfolding. Wraxall Builders, a local construction firm and the preferred bidder, aims to preserve the building by converting it into a children’s daycare centre. Their plan is to use the church’s undercroft as office space while transforming the main area upstairs into a nursery. Henry Channer of Wraxall Builders expressed enthusiasm: “I personally really like the building,” adding how the daycare would be a valuable asset to Batheaston.
Charlotte Forrester, who operates the Lookout Day Nursery in Monkton Farleigh, will oversee the new nursery, which hopes to serve up to 75 children. With around 200 local children currently forced to seek childcare outside the village, the facility promises to strengthen community ties and support local families. Ms. Forrester emphasized the importance of outdoor spaces: “We have so much we can do in the community—walking down to the river, the secret garden, allotments.”
A recent consultation event gave parishioners and architecture enthusiasts their first chance to explore the church since its closure, reigniting appreciation for this distinctive building. Local resident David Yeo, who first saw the church in the 1960s during its construction, likened it to Coventry Cathedral and praised the adaptive reuse: “It’s just fantastic it’s not pulling it down.”
While final plans await approval from Bath and North East Somerset Council, the community’s hopes rest on this sensitive transformation, bringing new life to a landmark that embodies Batheaston’s past and future.