Erdington Abbey
Client: Parish of SS. Thomas & Edmond
Location: Birmingham
Erdington Abbey Church (The Parish of St Thomas & St Edmund of Canterbury) is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture in Birmingham. Its steeple stretches 117 ft and the building’s rich architectural detailing make it a landmark of both spiritual and architectural significance in the city. Designed by Charles Francis Hansom and consecrated in 1850. The church has long served as a spiritual and community hub for Erdington and Sutton Coldfield. Over the years, it has undergone numerous adaptations and additions, including work by Augustus Pugin, Harry Haigh, and Pippett of Solihull.
Since 1922, the church has been under the care of the Redemptorists, who have overseen various phases of repair and reordering. Today, Oliver Architecture is proud to support the ongoing stewardship of this historic site.
Client: Parish of SS. Thomas & Edmond
Location: Birmingham
Erdington Abbey Church (The Parish of St Thomas & St Edmund of Canterbury) is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture in Birmingham. Its steeple stretches 117 ft and the building’s rich architectural detailing make it a landmark of both spiritual and architectural significance in the city. Designed by Charles Francis Hansom and consecrated in 1850. The church has long served as a spiritual and community hub for Erdington and Sutton Coldfield. Over the years, it has undergone numerous adaptations and additions, including work by Augustus Pugin, Harry Haigh, and Pippett of Solihull.
Since 1922, the church has been under the care of the Redemptorists, who have overseen various phases of repair and reordering. Today, Oliver Architecture is proud to support the ongoing stewardship of this historic site.
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Quinquennial Inspections and Conservation Strategy
Our involvement with the church began with a Quinquennial Inspection in 2020, which provided a comprehensive assessment of the building’s condition. The inspection identified several areas requiring urgent attention, particularly the roof structures, stonework, and high-level glazing.
The QI process not only highlighted immediate conservation needs but it also informed a phased conservation strategy for long-term repair and development. This has allowed the church to plan works in a manageable and cost-effective way, prioritising safety, heritage value, and access.
Sacristy Development
Following the Quinquennial, we undertook a series of internal improvements to enhance the functionality of the sacristy and cloister areas. This included:
- Removal of outdated office partitions
- Creation of a private clergy office
- Addition of two new office spaces for church and community use
- Reordering of WC and kitchenette facilities to include two WCs, an accessible WC, and an upgraded kitchenette
Current Restoration Works
We are now progressing with two major phases of external restoration:
- Tower and Spire Repairs: These works will address weathering and structural concerns at high level.
- Nave Reroofing and Masonry Repairs: This phase includes reroofing the nave, repairing associated masonry, replacing rainwater goods, and attending to high-level glazing while scaffold access is available.
Through careful planning and phased implementation, our work at Erdington Abbey Church aims to preserve its architectural integrity while supporting its continued use as a place of worship and community gathering.