Church of St Andrew

CHURCH OF ST ANDREW GYMNASTICS CENTRE

RIBA Stages 0-7

Unit3 Design Studio has been appointed as architects for the remodelling and transformation of the former St Andrew’s Church in Bootle into an exciting new gymnastics centre.

The project will see the sensitive adaptation of a Grade II listed former church building, giving the vacant heritage asset a new long-term purpose as a specialist sports, training and community facility. Located in Bootle, Merseyside, the scheme represents an important opportunity to bring a historic building back into active use while supporting health, wellbeing, youth development and participation in gymnastics.

The proposals involve the careful internal remodelling of the existing church building to create a functional, inspiring and accessible gymnastics environment. Unit3’s design approach focuses on retaining the character and architectural qualities of the former church, while introducing the practical facilities required for a modern gymnastics centre. The scheme balances the needs of a specialist sporting use with the sensitivity required when working with a listed building.

The new facility will provide a dedicated space for gymnastics training, coaching and community participation, helping to create a positive destination for young people, families and athletes in Bootle and the wider Liverpool City Region. The project has been described as being inspired by an Olympian, reflecting the ambition behind the scheme and the potential for the building to encourage future generations to engage with sport at all levels.

Working within an existing historic building requires a considered architectural response. The remodelling strategy must take account of the building’s scale, structure, internal volume, heritage significance and long-term viability. Unit3’s role as architects is to develop a design that supports the client’s operational requirements while ensuring that the building’s historic character is respected and enhanced wherever possible.

The reuse of the former St Andrew’s Church also supports a sustainable approach to development. Rather than allowing an important local building to remain underused, the project seeks to extend its life through adaptation, repair and purposeful occupation. This approach reflects the wider value of adaptive reuse, where existing buildings are carefully reimagined to meet contemporary needs while preserving their contribution to the local townscape.

For Bootle, the project has the potential to deliver a meaningful community benefit by transforming a former church into a vibrant sports and wellbeing facility. The proposals will help support local activity, provide new opportunities for gymnastics training, and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area through the positive reuse of a prominent heritage building.

For Unit3 Design Studio, the scheme reflects our continued experience in architectural remodelling, heritage-led refurbishment, community-focused design and the creative reuse of existing buildings. The transformation of the former St Andrew’s Church demonstrates how sensitive architectural design can unlock the potential of historic buildings, giving them a renewed civic, social and cultural purpose.

Work in progress

Unit3 are an award winning multi-disciplinary design studio based in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle. We work across three design sectors (architecture, graphic design and creative media) and help clients across the UK and internationally achieve great designs.

If you have a project in mind and would like to meet us, get in touch!