The Grade II* Listed Church and Friary of St Francis, designed by the acclaimed Victorian architect, Edward Pugin, for the Franciscan Order, was listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the ‘Hundred Most Endangered Monuments’ in the world. Austin-Smith:Lord was appointed as architects, conservation architects and landscape designers for the project which restored and extended the near derelict building.

The restored Monastery building now houses a commercially run visitor, conference and events centre incorporating an education and training suite. It was completed in 2007 and has been the recipient of many awards including a Civic Trust Commendation.

The dedication of Austin-Smith:Lord has been one of the main factors that has enabled our project to survive.

Elaine Griffiths – Project Director, Monastery of St Francis & Gorton Trust