ST PHILOMENA’S RC CHURCH

Project: St Philomena’s RC Church – Internal Alterations
Client: Parish Council, Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh
Location: Winchburgh
Value: £200k
Listing: Conservation Area
Date Complete: 2026

MLA were appointed in 2024 to undertake a feasibility study to mark the centenary year of the Roman Catholic church built in circa 1924/25. The St Philomena’s Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) intended to celebrate this occasion by modernising and enhancing the Sanctuary of the church. MLA were asked to provide concept designs for consideration.

The interior of the church was significantly renovated, in the early 1970’s. At that time the Sanctuary walls (three elevations) were clad in wood effect panelling and a poor-quality suspended ceiling was put in place.

The PPC requested that new design proposals recognised the rich history of the parish, its founders, and the importance of the church to many generations of families, respecting the original building design while leaving a legacy for the future. The design was developed to enhance the sense of community, while ensuring a sacred and highly spiritual experience within the sanctuary.

MLA’s proposals also included environmental considerations to promote sustainability including energy usage and sourcing of materials. A significant feature of the design was to remove the existing suspended ceiling, re-exposing beautiful existing trusses and installing improved artificial lighting.