St Malachy's Church, Belfast

Saint Malachy’s Church, a Grade A listed landmark in Belfast, is renowned for its Tudor Revival style and its striking fan-vaulted ceiling inspired by Westminster Abbey’s Henry VII Chapel. Built between 1841 and 1844, it has been central to its parish community for generations. By 2006, the building had suffered significant damage from weathering, wartime impacts, and unsympathetic alterations. Consarc Conservation was appointed by the Diocese of Down and Connor to lead a full restoration, starting with a detailed condition survey. Urgent works included dismantling and rebuilding the leaning octagonal towers using handmade bricks matching the originals, replacing damaged sandstone with carefully sourced Derbyshire stone, and reinstating oak tracery windows based on historic patterns. Stained glass was conserved through traditional methods, while external improvements included a discreet disabled access ramp, lightning protection, and restored cast-iron railings.

Inside, research and paint analysis guided the revival of the sanctuary’s original decorative scheme, restoring gilding, stencilling, and the vibrant colour palette. Original mosaics were carefully restored and complemented by new tiled floors referencing historic designs. The £3 million project was funded by the Diocese, parish fundraising, and a grant from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Completed on time in April 2009, the restoration received multiple awards, including the RIBA Award 2010 and the Irish Georgian Society Conservation Award.