Doherty Architects were commissioned to design the conversion of the former Duncairn Church to a Centre for Arts and Culture. The building is listed Grade B+ by the NIEA due to its historic value as part of a unique complex owned by the Presbyterian Church and also due to its architectural merit as a fine example of decorated Gothic style. This project was to convert the disused church to a cultural centre while integrating this with the other facilities of the complex. Scrabo Stone, dry rot, hammer beam trusses and stained glass provided the conservation challenges and opportunities in the context of many years of decay. Providing a new use meant a new programme to be mapped onto the existing building. The 174 Trust required Performance and Exhibition Spaces, studio spaces and a cafe with all ancillary services. Connecting the church to the Manse and Halls was also included in the brief together with a need to upgrade services and to incorporate accessibility and fire safety measures. The overarching design challenge was to insert new enclosed functions within the main church space whilst retaining the spatial primacy and character of the original structure. We identified the maintenance of the axial view from the main entrance to the rear gothic window as critical in this respect. Our strategy was that simple modern and visually lightweight interventions would complement the heavy original construction.