RECONSIDERING THE CHURCH SITE

Studio BAD were appointed by the Church Development agency to undertake a feasibility study of St Chads Church in order to review the potential of improvements, provisions and future housing development options of the building and site in Erdington, Birmingham.

We started the process with a community engagement workshop, in order to connect with the local community stakeholders, to record and consider local voices within the scope of any future plans for the church and the site.

St Chad’s occupies a distinctive place within Erdington, a suburb marked by high-density housing, a diverse population, and some of the greatest socioeconomic contrasts in Birmingham. The church has long played a role in supporting local families, whether through children’s and youth groups, coffee mornings, or the use of its premises by community organisations. As one of the area’s earliest ecumenical ventures, it has also been an important sign of unity across Christian traditions, demonstrating that cooperation can offer real benefits to the neighbourhood. Today, it continues to be recognised locally not only as a place of worship, but also as a gathering point where people can find welcome, companionship, and practical support.