St Philip Howard Church £3million redevelopment will almost double seating capacity and add a community hall
The foundation stone for the £3m redevelopment of St Philip Howard Church was consecrated as work commended on a major transformation to increase its capacity and add a community hall.
With Cambridge’s population expected to increase rapidly over the next decade, and 12,000 new homes planned for the Cherry Hinton North and Cambridge Airport developments, St Philip Howard will be the Catholic church for many of the new residents.
The parish, serving the area since 1978, is expanding its church seating capacity from 230 to 400, ensuring more people can participate in services. The community hall will have its own entrance, accessible facilities and kitchenette to support social, cultural, and educational activities for the church and wider community.
Modernised infrastructure will include upgraded heating, lighting, and audio systems to improve comfort and accessibility, particularly for those with visual and hearing impairments. Step-free access will make the buildings more inclusive for those with mobility challenges.
The project was formally launched on Monday, 10 February, when the Bishop of East Anglia, Rt Rev Peter Collins, consecrated the foundation stone for the redevelopment.
He said: “The redevelopment of St Philip Howard Church is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Catholic faith in this parish. It is a sign of hope and commitment to the future.”
Key to the success of the redevelopment are the Latham family – John Latham Jr has played a leading role in coordinating the parish’s input into the design and planning of the renewed building, building on the commitment of his father John. Their dedication, alongside the leadership of parish priest Fr Philip John, has helped turn the vision for the church into a reality.
The project is funded entirely by generous donations from the parish community, as well as external grant support. Fundraising efforts have brought together 40 different nationalities represented in the congregation, reflecting the church’s role as a vital hub for cultural and spiritual life in the area. The new hall will complement other developments such as the Cherry Hinton library hub and the planned multi-purpose centre at Cherry Hinton North, providing space for local groups, cultural events, and social initiatives.
The project’s architectural design is led by Tim Powter-Robinson of Whittlesford-based Cowper Griffiths and the principal contractors are Cambridgeshire firm Godfrey & Hicks.
Mark Godfrey, of the Snailwell-based firm, said: “Having undertaken a major project at the Catholic church in Newmarket I am personally very excited to be working on another major high-profile church project as Saint Philip Howard.”
Cllr Robert Dryden (Cherry Hinton) conveyed his support for the redevelopment project, saying: “I am thrilled to see the development of the new community facility at Saint Philip Howard Church.
“This project not only responds to the growing demand from our ever-increasing population but also provides a vibrant space that will serve as a hub for community activities and foster a sense of belonging. The increased size of the church will enable it to better accommodate and support our diverse community. It’s a fantastic initiative that will benefit many.”
The new church on Walpole Road is scheduled for completion in early 2026. In the meantime, masses and parish activities continue at St Bede’s school on Sundays and in a temporary worship space during the week.
