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Dr Nigel Walter to Spotlight Multi-Use Church Spaces at CRE
Dr Nigel Walter FRIBA, FRSA, Director of Archangel Ltd, will be speaking at CRE 2026, presenting on the evolving role of church buildings as flexible, community-facing spaces that support wider mission and engagement.
Nigel Walter is a Specialist Conservation Architect whose work focuses on enabling historic churches to remain active and adaptable within contemporary community life. His forthcoming session, titled Multi-use Church Spaces and Community Engagement: Helping Buildings Serve Wider Mission, will examine practical and strategic approaches to reimagining church buildings for broader use while maintaining their liturgical and heritage significance.
The presentation will address a range of design and operational considerations for churches seeking to expand their community role. These include the creation of flexible worship environments, approaches to adapting buildings for shared and non-liturgical use, and the integration of cafés, co-working spaces, and social enterprises within historic settings.
Further themes will explore how churches can better accommodate youth and family activities, alongside the challenges of balancing sacred space with increased community access. The session is intended to support church leaders, architects, and community stakeholders in developing sustainable models for multi-use church buildings.
Dr Walter’s work in this area is informed by his wider professional practice through Archangel, where he acts as inspecting architect for approximately 70 historic churches. He combines architectural expertise with a strong interest in sustainability and long-term stewardship of ecclesiastical heritage.
As a member of the Church Buildings Council and trustee of the National Churches Trust, Dr Walter contributes to national-level discussions on the future of church buildings and their role within changing social and economic contexts.
His appearance at the CRE Show forms part of a broader programme exploring innovation in church life, mission, and building use, offering practical insight into how historic buildings can continue to serve contemporary communities without losing their core identity.
Visitors to CRE 26 will be able to hear him speak on Day Two of the Building Resources Conference at 10:30am.