A restoration for the community
10 minutes’ walk from Paddington Station, beside the Grand Union Canal, St Mary Magdalene Church is one of the finest neo-Gothic churches in the country. Managed by Paddington Development Trust, the Grand Junction project sees the church opened up to all as a venue with a lively community and arts programme.
Grade 1 Listed, it was built in the 1860s and 70s by the great Victorian architect G E Street, who orchestrated the very best artists and craftsmen of the day to produce a masterwork combining architecture, sculpture, stained glass, and arguably the most remarkable painted ceiling in an English parish church. From the mid-20th century the church fell into disrepair. It has now been lovingly restored and a beautiful new building has been added alongside, designed by Dow Jones Architects, which provides a café, learning studio and visitor facilities.
We are open as a venue running courses for adults, after-school clubs for young people, family workshops, and a rapidly growing arts and music programme. The church is open regularly for visitors, allowing enjoyment of its astonishing architecture by a much wider audience. At the heart of Grand Junction is the idea of bringing together different communities, bridging some of the parallel worlds of 21st century London.
SUPPORT & PARTNERS
Find out more about the generous people that supported the project
EXPLORE THE CHURCH
Discover more about the history and heritage.
WHAT’S ON
Browse a collaborative programme of music, arts and performance.
“COME ALONG AND DISCOVER IT YOURSELF”
A short film telling the story of the Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s project
ABOUT PADDINGTON DEVELOPMENT TRUST
PDT was formed in 1998 by local residents who remain at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to bring people together and support them to take charge of their own individual and shared futures.
We do this through volunteering projects, supporting people into employment, self-employment and training and through projects that enhance the built environment and provide additional facilities for local people.
Further information at: www.pdt.org.uk
Paddington Development Trust are currently fundraising for Grand Junction @ St Mary Magdalene!
By clicking on this DONATE link you will be taken to their website to make a donation.