Reordering a Grade I Listed Church: Community-Led Church Renovation in Bassingbourn, South Cambridgeshire
At Archangel Architects, we specialise in church reordering projects that give historic buildings new purpose while honouring their sacred past. One such project is underway at St Peter & St Paul Church in Bassingbourn, where a Grade I listed building is being sensitively reimagined as a vibrant, year-round community space.
Last week, we opened the doors to members of the Cambridge Forum for the Construction Industry (CFCI)—and the feedback was as inspiring as the project itself:
“Ambitious.”
“A blueprint for how historic churches can serve communities.”
“Local people, local skills, and a not-for-profit heart – brilliant.”
Why Reorder a Church?
This historic church has long been the centre of village life—but like many others, it lacked basic facilities. There was no running water. No toilet. No space for community groups to gather outside of Sunday services.
We’re changing that.
As specialists in church renovation and heritage architecture, we’re working closely with the local community to repurpose this historic church into a warm, accessible, and multi-functional space that supports both worship and wider village life.
Key Features of the Church Reordering Design
This church reordering project includes several carefully considered additions, all designed to sit lightly within the building’s historic fabric while enhancing its long-term use:
-
✅ Catering kitchen discreetly located in the base of the tower
-
✅ Flexible meeting room opening into the nave
-
✅ New mezzanine gallery with beautiful views and step-free access via a lift
-
✅ New heating, lighting and glazed rooms for community use year-round
From consultation to concept, this design has been shaped by local needs and guided by best practice in conservation architecture and church building reuse.
A Community-Led Vision
What makes this project special isn’t just the building—it’s the people.
This is a community-led church transformation, supported by local skills, volunteers, and a shared belief that churches can be more than places of worship—they can be the heartbeat of a village.
This kind of sensitive reuse is something we’re deeply passionate about at Archangel. We believe in architecture with spirit—design that respects the past, enriches the present, and strengthens communities for the future.
Are You Planning a Church Renovation or Reordering Project?
If you’re considering how to make your church building more welcoming, more usable, and more connected to your community, we’d love to help.
Whether you’re looking for advice on adapting a listed church, adding facilities, or simply exploring your options, we bring both conservation expertise and a collaborative approach to every project.
