St Peter & St Paul
A Grade I listed church reimagined for the future
St Peter & St Paul, Bassingbourn, is a remarkable Grade I listed church that has stood at the heart of village life for centuries. Like many historic churches, it faced a challenge familiar to congregations across the country: how to provide the facilities needed for modern worship, community use and mission while respecting a building of exceptional historic significance.
Working closely with the church, Diocese, Historic England and other stakeholders, Archangel Architects helped develop an ambitious vision to transform the building’s usability and accessibility for future generations.
The completed project includes:
- A new west-end meeting room
- A gallery overlooking the nave
- Lift access to the gallery
- Accessible WCs
- A catering kitchen within the tower
- Flexible spaces to support worship, hospitality, learning and community activities
Navigating a complex approvals process
One of the most significant achievements of the project was securing approval for substantial interventions within a Grade I listed church.
The proposals required careful consultation and detailed heritage assessment to demonstrate how the changes would enhance the long-term sustainability and mission of the church while preserving its architectural and historic significance.
The scheme was considered through the faculty process and ultimately approved by the Consistory Court following detailed scrutiny. The successful outcome reflects years of collaboration between the church, professional team and statutory consultees.
Throughout the design process, particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that new interventions were sensitive, legible and, where possible, reversible. Contemporary additions were designed to sit comfortably alongside the historic fabric without attempting to imitate it.
A church equipped for its next chapter
The completed reordering has transformed how the building can be used. New facilities support everything from worship and fellowship to concerts, meetings, children’s activities and community events.
The project was formally celebrated in 2026 with a special service bringing together the congregation, project team and wider community to mark the completion of the works and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the church.
St Peter & St Paul demonstrates how thoughtful design, careful consultation and a clear vision can enable even the most historically significant churches to adapt successfully to contemporary needs.
Heritage Consultancy and Faculty Applications
This project demonstrates Archangel’s expertise in securing permissions for complex church reordering projects, including faculty applications, heritage impact assessments, consultation with Historic England and engagement with Consistory Courts.
