St Margaret’s Church & Thornbury Centre

A New Vision for Worship and Community

When structural failure caused the closure and eventual demolition of the Church of St Margaret de Antioch, the Parochial Church Council (PCC) saw an opportunity to create something far greater than a replacement church.

Their vision was to develop a welcoming multi-faith church and community centre that would serve both the congregation and the wider community. Following a design competition, Allan Joyce Architects were appointed to bring this ambitious vision to life, drawing on our extensive experience of designing churches and community buildings.

A Building That Welcomes Everyone

The new centre was designed to encourage connection, inclusivity and community use. At its heart is a 250-seat worship space, complemented by a community café, crèche, library, meeting rooms, offices and a multi-purpose sports hall, allowing the building to support worship, education, recreation and community activities throughout the week.

A key design principle was creating a welcoming arrival experience. Visitors are guided from the street onto a landscaped stone terrace before entering a fully glazed reception that opens into 'The Street'; a dramatic 12-metre-high atrium that forms the social heart of the building. Flooded with natural daylight and naturally ventilated, this central space provides intuitive wayfinding while encouraging interaction between different user groups.

Designed for Long-Term Community Use

The flexible layout enables the building to accommodate a wide variety of activities and users, making it a valuable asset for both faith organisations and the wider community. By combining spaces for worship with facilities for learning, sport and social activities, the centre has become a destination that brings people together beyond traditional church services.

The project received funding from the Millennium Commission, Bradford City Council and the Diocese of Bradford, recognising its importance as a long-term investment in the local community.

Continuing Our Partnership

Our relationship with the church continues long after completion. Allan Joyce Architects carry out the building's quinquennial inspections, helping the PCC plan maintenance and repairs to protect the building for future generations.

This ongoing involvement reflects our commitment to supporting churches and community organisations throughout the life of their buildings.

The centre was commended in the RIBA Yorkshire White Rose Awards, when Richard Giles wrote,

Altogether a powerful building with an inspired, beautifully executed design touch. Which is an invaluable asset both architecturally and socially - to this impoverished area of Bradford. It is likely to remain for many years the most significant building for miles around.