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£3m to £4.99M
Alteration to existing property, Listed Building - Grade II
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is situated in Louth Village, County Louth. The Church was opened in 1892 and was constructed for a congregation of 420 people. The listed building was originally constructed in 1892 with money sent back by Irish people who emigrated to America during the famine which is why the facade was constructed from fine stone with intricate details. A more impressive church than would normally be found in such a small village. The church was extensively damaged by fire which left just the shell. Work was undertaken to retain and support the facade until building work proper started. Many consultations took place with the building committee and the local community in a process that saw views change from one where the building was to be faithfully restored to one where the building was to be brought up to current liturgical standards. The building fabric that could be saved was saved and new elements were inserted into the interior space to create a worship space more appropriate for the current liturgy. A gathering space was created to the front of the building by the insertion of a large curving element which also served as the organ chamber and an intimate space for the baptismal font. The windows to the gathering space were kept clear as this area is still part of the secular world and as you move into the worship space the windows become a coloured leaded glass with no views out but a quiet intimate space symbolising this area is associated with a spiritual world. The seats were arranged around the new altar area and the floor gently sloped to allow all to see. The worship space became fully accessible where before the fire there were steps to different areas barring some members of the community from taking part fully in the Mass. The completed building won a design and conversation award.