Project Spotlight: RC Annunciation Church Renovation – Bournemouth

Dorset Build were proud to collaborate with the Diocese of Portsmouth and a highly skilled conservation architect on the sensitive restoration of the RC Annunciation Church in Bournemouth—a Grade II listed building with rich historical and architectural significance.

Originally designed by the renowned Giles Gilbert Scott—famed for the iconic red telephone box and Battersea Power Station—the church had unfortunately suffered from decades of poor building practices. Non-breathable vinyl paints and incompatible materials had caused widespread damage to the building’s original lime plaster and masonry, resulting in extensive damp, deterioration, and safety concerns. Our role was not only to rectify this damage, but to help the building “breathe” and heal again, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Our first task was to painstakingly strip away the vinyl coatings that had suffocated the interior. This included the removal of failed plaster and the cleaning of affected stonework. Our in-house lime specialist then set to work carefully restoring the internal finishes using traditional methods and breathable lime materials.

Re-decoration was carried out using an architect-specified breathable paint, carefully chosen to be sympathetic to the original finishes. Much of the stonework had previously been painted and could not be stripped without risking damage. To address this, we used a subtle contrast in tones between the lime-rendered walls and the painted stone, restoring the visual definition of architectural details such as the arched window quoins—particularly around the beautiful stained glass.

A key element of the project involved the creation of two new public WCs, including one fully accessible facility. These were discreetly incorporated into the church’s vestibule area using a beautifully detailed oak-panelled partition designed to mirror the original oak panelling found throughout the church. The result is a clean, modern insertion that blends seamlessly with the historic fabric of the building, complete with concealed entrances for both facilities.

New underground drainage, water, and electrical services were installed and routed discreetly through the service void behind the new partition. Inside, the bathrooms were finished in quarry-tile effect materials that closely match the church’s original flooring—achieving a coherent look that feels entirely in keeping with the space.

This project exemplifies what Dorset Build does best: blending craftsmanship, heritage expertise, and a deep respect for design intent. Our careful execution has not only made the church safer and more functional for visitors, but has also helped extend the life of one of Bournemouth’s architectural treasures—ensuring it remains a welcoming place for worship, reflection, and community for years to come.

Gallery