News

With thousands of churches across the UK facing the challenge of maintaining historic buildings while creating spaces fit for modern ministry, visitors to CRE 2026 will have the opportunity to learn from a leading architect behind successful church transformation projects.

Taking place in the Building Resources theatre on Wednesday 14 October from 11:30am to 12:00pm, the case study session, "Lessons Learned from a Major Renovation Project," will feature Paul Bulkeley, Founder and Design Director of Snug Architects.

With more than 25 years' experience in architecture and urban design, Paul has built a reputation for award-winning design, visionary thinking and bringing diverse stakeholders together to deliver complex projects. Alongside leading Snug Architects, Paul lectures in Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Southampton, where he obtained a joint civil engineering and architecture degree. 

The session comes at a time when church buildings are under increasing pressure to evolve. The National Churches Trust estimates that the UK is home to around 38,500 Christian church buildings, many of which are historic structures requiring significant investment to remain open and serve their communities. The charity also reports that more than three-quarters of churches undertake community activities, highlighting the growing need for buildings that can accommodate various needs. Source - National Churches Trust

The session will be particularly valuable for church leaders, property committees, architects, trustees and project managers considering refurbishment or redevelopment. As churches continue to reimagine their buildings as vibrant centres for worship, mission and community engagement, Paul's case study promises to demonstrate how well-designed renovation can breathe new life into treasured spaces.