March 6 2024

A B-listed church tucked away off Edinburgh's Grassmarket is to be revitalised as part of moves designed to resolve fire protection issues.

The Jesuit Trust propose to refurbish and alter The Sacred Heart Church on Lauriston Street, a program that includes replacement flooring and reinstated apse windows featuring contemporary stained glass. An upgraded entrance vestibule will also include a modern screen of sculpted vertical timber fins and glass to serve as a point of welcome for visitors and provide security.

In a statement of intent, the church wrote: "There have been financial challenges, as there have been for many church buildings, over quite a number of years which has resulted in condition issues as highlighted in the planned preventative maintenance reports allied to operational changes and a desire to improve and enhance the overall aesthetic which has been subject to piecemeal works in the past.

"The proposed refurbishments will restore elements of the church to their original position and use."

Lewis and Hickey Architects will oversee the remodelling as well as an associated manse, where residential accommodation is to be pushed to the upper floors, freeing up the ground floor for community use.  

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