Restoration of a fire-ravaged Victorian church involving full structural rebuild, bespoke craftsmanship, heritage conservation, and modern upgrades to benefit congregation.
Restoration of a fire-ravaged Victorian church involving full structural rebuild, bespoke craftsmanship, heritage conservation, and modern upgrades to benefit congregation.
All Saints’ Church in Fleet was built in 1861 by Victorian architect William Burges, is Grade II* listed. In June 2015, an arson attack destroyed the timber roof and much of the interior, though the brick and masonry structure remained intact. AWA were appointed to assess the damage, determine what could be reused, and advise on reconstruction. Key interior features such as the pulpit and memorials were badly damaged and required conservation.
AWA’s approach focused on reinstating structural integrity while safeguarding the church’s heritage. The complex curved roof was reconstructed using glue-laminated timber trusses, factory-curved and installed on a timber plate that compensated for irregular existing walls. Unexpected discoveries—a 1950s raft foundation and archaeological remains beneath the new west porch—required bespoke engineering solutions, including screw piles and a shallow suspended slab. A new limecrete floor with underfloor heating improved comfort and energy efficiency.
Conservation included careful cleaning and replacement of damaged brickwork and rebuilding of stone elements such as the pulpit. The new west porch and stained-glass rose window blend modern craftsmanship with heritage values. After eight years, the restored church was reconsecrated in April 2023, revitalised for modern worship and community use.
AWA Consulting Engineers is a structural, civil, and marine engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has technical teams in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients typically across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA Consulting Engineers can help with your project, get in touch today. Email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch. Alternatively, call 01794 524447 to speak to a member of our team.
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