The Church of the Ascension is a Grade II listed building in Lower Broughton, Salford.

Builders constructed the church in 1869, and it remains one of the few surviving 19th-century structures in the area. As a result, it stands as a historic landmark amid rapid residential development.

In February 2017, a devastating fire engulfed the church and destroyed most of the structure. Only the building’s shell and arcade walls remained. At first, many feared demolition would be unavoidable. However, the community quickly launched a £5m restoration project to return the church to its former glory.

The team began the restoration with a blessing ceremony led by Canon David Wyatt and the Bishop of Manchester, Rt Revd David Walker. Local residents, parishioners, and students from nearby schools attended the event to mark the start of the works.

The project took place in two phases. First, the team completed the £2.5m structural restoration. Then they carried out the £2.5m interior refurbishment. Overall, the project aimed to recreate the church as it stood before the fire. At the same time, the designers ensured the new building remained sustainable, accessible, and adaptable for the community.

The design team based the new roof structure on the original concept while meeting modern regulatory standards. Craftsmen built the feature trusses for the nave using timber. They also added hidden bolted steel plate connections to increase strength and stability. As a result, the final structure blends traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering.