St John the Baptist RC Church, Rochdale - Restoration

Restoration of the Grade II* listed Church. Styled on the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, and completed 1927, it is notable for its Byzantine design (rare in English Churches) and outstanding floor to ceiling mosaics depicting the theme ‘Eternal Life’, which encompass the entire apsed sanctuary. The mosaics are thought to be among the best examples of Eric Oppenheimer’s work and the dome can be seen for miles around. The project will preserve & share the Church’s heritage with the wider community. The church’s unique design makes it vulnerable to water ingress and previously undetected damp penetration has destabilised some areas of the unusual poured concrete dome. A small section nearby the dome has previously become detached and urgent work is needed before this heritage is lost forever.