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

It was originally constructed in 1869, and today it remains one of the few surviving 19th-century structures in the area. As a result, it has stood as a historical landmark amid rapid residential development.

In February 2017, a devastating fire engulfed the church and destroyed most of the structure, leaving only the building’s shell and arcade walls standing. Initially, many feared that demolition would be unavoidable. However, the community quickly launched a £5m restoration project to return the church to its former glory. The team officially began the restoration with a blessing ceremony led by Canon David Wyatt and the Bishop of Manchester, Rt Revd David Walker. During the event, local residents, parishioners, and students from nearby schools gathered to mark the start of the works.

The team carried out the project in two phases. First, they completed the £2.5m structural restoration. Then, they undertook 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 that the new building would remain sustainable, accessible, and adaptable to changing community needs.

In addition, the design team based the new roof structure on the original concept while ensuring compliance with modern regulatory standards. Craftsmen constructed the hammer beam trusses for the nave in timber and incorporated hidden bolted steel plate connections to increase strength and stability. Consequently, the final design successfully blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary engineering practices.