Gorton Monastery, Manchester:

The Monastery 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. William 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 with main works following.

Restoration works included some brickwork and masonry repairs, traditional re-plastering to the cloisters, 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 full mechanical and electrical installation.

The Friary was extended and rebuilt to provide offices and meeting rooms with catering and washroom facilities. Access to all floors provide by stairs and lifts. Throughout the restoration and building works, the Pugin designed Monastery received visits from stakeholders and funders with a visit from HRH The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2007. See awards.

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

www.gortonmonastery.co.uk