Crosby Granger Architects has been named a finalist in the King of Prussia Gold Medal category at the Church Architecture Awards 2026, recognising their ongoing conservation work at a Grade II* listed church in Rochdale.
The awards are run by the National Churches Trust in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The Kendal-based practice is recognised for its ongoing work on St John the Baptist Church in Rochdale, a Grade II* listed landmark building known for its unusual domed form, reinforced concrete construction and a nationally important sanctuary mosaic by artist Eric Newton, completed in 1933.
Crosby Granger Architects has been the project architect and contract administrator on the scheme since 2020, following a successful National Lottery Heritage Fund grant application.
The team carried out a detailed high-access survey of the church’s dome and clerestory, along with a wider condition survey of the building, to address a long history of water ingress and, more recently, concrete decay affecting the structure. A specialist condition report was also commissioned to assess damage to the mosaic, where sections had become detached and showed visible cracking. The survey work fed into a full schedule of repairs for the building.
The King of Prussia Gold Medal honours outstanding church conservation or repair work and is awarded to the architect responsible for the winning project, who receives the medal and is invited to deliver an online lecture to EASA members and other sector representatives. The winning church also receives a £500 prize.
“The repair and conservation project at the church of St John the Baptist, Rochdale was exceptional for many reasons,” said Chloe Granger, Director at Crosby Granger Architects. “It is a very unusual building because of its ambitious design and reinforced concrete construction, and this gave rise to some tricky technical challenges which required a real team effort to resolve.
The Sanctuary mosaic is an extraordinary artwork, and it was a real privilege to learn from the specialist restorers carrying out the conservation repairs. More than anything it was inspiring to work with the parish team, whose personal commitment and dedication to the project was unfailing throughout. This nomination is a recognition of their achievements as much as those of the design team.”
Winners of the Church Architecture Awards 2026 will be announced at an awards presentation in London on Wednesday 4 November.
