CHURCH HALL ANNEXE, MELTON MOWBRAY
New Build Church Hall
Location: Melton Mowbray
CHURCH HALL ANNEXE, MELTON MOWBRAY
Construction of New Parish Hall & Office Annexe and Restoration Works to
Grade II Listed Church
Project Overview
In late 2024, RJH Building Construction was invited to
tender for the construction of a new parish hall and
office annexe adjoining the historic Catholic Church of
Saint John the Baptist in Melton Mowbray.
The design had been in development for several
years and required a contractor capable of combining
traditional construction methods and specialist trades
with modern building technology whilst working
sensitively alongside a Grade II listed place of
worship.
Following successful appointment as Principal
Contractor, RJH worked closely with Gillick Brothers
Architecture & Design, specialist consultants and the
Diocese to deliver a contemporary church facility that
complements the character of the existing building
whilst providing modern community facilities for
generations to come.
Design & Construction Process
February 2025 – Pre-Construction & Mobilisation
Site setup, procurement and project planning completed ahead of construction works.
February – April 2025 – Groundworks & Foundations
Site preparation, drainage, foundations and substructure works completed.
April – July 2025 – Superstructure & Roofing
Construction of the main structure, masonry walls, steelwork and roof coverings.
July – September 2025 – First Fix Services
Installation of mechanical, electrical, heating and ventilation systems throughout the building.
September – December 2025 – Internal Fit-Out
Completion of plastering, joinery, second-fix services and internal finishes.
October 2025 – February 2026 – External Works & Restoration
Landscaping, access improvements and specialist restoration works to the historic church.
March 2026 – Commissioning & Handover
Final testing, certification, snagging and client handover of the completed facility.
Key Highlights
Heritage Construction & Conservation
Working beside a Grade II listed church required a careful balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction. Throughout the project, the existing church remained fully operational, with works carefully planned to ensure services and day-to-day activities could continue safely and with minimal disruption. Through the use of matching brickwork, lime mortar, cast stone detailing and specialist restoration works, the new annexe was seamlessly integrated with the historic church.
Energy-Efficient Design
Despite its traditional appearance, the building incorporates modern low-carbon technologies including an Air Source Heat Pump, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and Solar PV panels. Combined with a highly insulated building envelope, these measures contributed towards achieving an EPC A-rated building.
Quality Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail
From bespoke oak joinery and architectural glazing to specialist masonry and internal finishes, the project demanded a high level of workmanship throughout. Close collaboration with the design team ensured every detail was delivered to an exceptional standard, creating a building that will serve the parish and wider community for many years to come.
Specialist Restoration Works
In tandem with the new annexe, specialist restoration works were completed to the existing church, including repairs to stained-glass windows, refurbishment of the historic rose window, traditional leadwork and lime mortar masonry repairs, helping preserve the building's heritage for years to come.
Challenges we Overcame
Site Constraints & Logistics
As shown in the photographs, the site was located within a highly confined area, with close proximity to both public highways and pedestrian footpaths. This presented the first significant challenge before construction could commence. We successfully overcame these constraints through careful logistical planning, coordinating material deliveries and storage to minimise disruption, while implementing robust site security measures, to ensure the safety of the public throughout the construction period.
Material Availability & Specification Changes
Several specialist materials specified during the design stage became difficult to source due to supply chain constraints. Through close collaboration with the architect and suppliers, suitable alternatives were identified that maintained the design intent without impacting programme or quality.
Complex Architectural Detailing
The project incorporated a number of bespoke architectural features, including oak joinery, cast stone elements, specialist glazing, bespoke MVHR system and heritage interfaces. Delivering these details required skilled craftsmanship, precise setting out and close coordination between trades throughout the build.
Working Within a Heritage Environment
Constructing a modern annexe alongside a Grade II listed church required careful planning and attention to detail. Every element of the design and construction had to respect the character of the existing building whilst meeting modern building standards and client requirements.
Community Recognition
The successful completion of this project
attracted considerable interest from both
the local community and regional media,
with the development being featured
twice in the Melton Times. The articles
highlighted the importance of the new
parish and community hall, recognising
its positive impact on the local area and
celebrating its official blessing upon
completion.
If you would like to learn more about the
project, the Melton Times articles can be
viewed using the links provided below.
