Gorton Monastery, Manchester:

The Monastary of St Francis and Gorton Charitable Trust was formed in 1996 to save this magnificent grade II listed building. The Trust managed to raise in the region of £6 million including grants from various heritage funds and regeneration agencies.

Willliam Anelay was employed as principal contractor to carry out works that would sympathetically turn this endangered world monument site into a thriving community facility.

Investigations commenced in Summer 2005 to identify the scope of works required to restore and refurbish this nineteenth century monastery.

The main contract commenced in November 2005 initially to make the building safe, stabilise the walls and provide a new roof structure.

Works include some brickwork and masonry repairs, some replacement of ornate plaster, new doors, windows and floors (with under floor heating), repairs and replacement of leaded lights and stained glass, a new replacement slate roof incorporating elements of lead work and mechanical and electrical installation.

Throughout the project, William Anelay has facilitated safe access to the site for the Trust’s partners and stakeholders.

E W Pugin built the Monastery of St Francis in the 1860’s however in the 1970’s surrounding terraced housing was demolished and local families were re-housed causing a decline in the congregation. The last mass was held in 1989 and over the following years, the Monastery fell into disrepair.

For more information on the Monastery and The Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Charitable Trust, follow the link below:

www.gortonmonastery.co.uk