Church of the Good Shepherd

AJA was appointed to undertake the investigation, conservation and restoration of the Church of the Good Shepherd, a Grade II* listed 1960s modernist church requiring major repair works to protect its significant architectural fabric.

A Rare Design

The Roman Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd was built between 1962 and 1964 by architect Gerard Goalen, who was appointed due to his previous church commissions and involvement with the design team for Liverpool Catholic Cathedral.

The church is a rare example of post-war modernist architecture, constructed using a reinforced concrete frame with prefabricated concrete panels and featuring exceptional stained glass by Patrick Reyntiens. Listed at Grade II* in 1997, the building is recognised for its architectural and historic significance.

Previous repair works undertaken in 1987 had only addressed surface issues, and further deterioration placed the concrete structure and surrounding fabric at risk. A comprehensive programme of conservation was required to prevent irreversible damage and protect the building's important architectural features.

Extensive Investigations

To develop an appropriate conservation strategy, AJA assembled a specialist team comprising architects, structural engineers and concrete conservation specialists.

AJA led a detailed programme of investigation into the existing structure, including assessment of the precast concrete fascia panels, copings and their connections to the main concrete frame. Concrete testing and material analysis were undertaken, including chloride testing and detailed sampling to ensure future repairs would be compatible with the original materials.

The findings provided a robust understanding of the building's condition and informed the specification of the required conservation works.

Securing Funding

Following the investigations, AJA prepared a comprehensive Building Fabric Report for submission to English Heritage to support a funding application.

The successful funding bid enabled essential conservation and restoration works to proceed, securing the future of this nationally significant modernist church.

Conservation and Restoration Works

The restoration works included the careful removal of deteriorated precast concrete cladding panels and the manufacture of exact replicas by local specialists using improved modern materials to address the causes of previous failures.

The complex roof structures were refurbished using high-performance materials, including repairs to the distinctive paraboloid high-level roof, replacement of selected roof lights and waterproofing of junctions around inset glass lenses.

Areas of corroded reinforcement supporting the high-level glazing were carefully repaired, with damaged concrete removed and reinstated using carefully selected aggregates sourced from the same northern French quarries used in the original construction. This ensured the repairs matched the character and appearance of the existing building.

The completed works have preserved the architectural integrity of the church while improving its long-term durability and protecting its significant stained glass and concrete fabric.