---

Our Lady of Compassion - the restoration of 2004/5

During the latter part of 2004 and early 2005 a major restoration of the church building was carried out. The building suffered from a number of serious problems associated with the original conversion to a church in the early 1900s, the various extensions since then and the challenge of maintaining a historic building. In parallel to the restoration, the opportunity was taken to expand the church to cater for the thirty to forty people who regularly stood at our 10:30 Mass and to improve the surrounding service areas.

The main elements of the scheme were:

• elimination of flat roofs and associated leaks introduced as part of the original church conversion
• restoration of core structure including the replacement of rotted timbers
• the removal of the rear wall and the relocation of the altar into the old vestry
• new tower, entrance and "cloister" (with disabled access)
• remodelling of the presbytery garden both as the main entrance to the church and as a "piazza"
• upgraded heating, lighting and sound systems
• redecoration in an appropriate style
• replacement of the carpet with a combination of wood and stone

The church prior to the restoration

• 
• 
• 
• 

Some pictures of the restoration

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•