OCU Delivers Restoration Works at The Abbey Church in Erdington
OCU Group has proudly completed a major restoration project at The Abbey Church in Erdington, Birmingham – a landmark with deep cultural and historical significance to the local community.
Undertaken as part of our employee volunteering scheme, the works brought together craftsmanship, heritage sensitivity, and sustainable construction practices to enhance both the structural integrity and visual appeal of the site.
Our teams began by carefully dismantling a deteriorating retaining wall, replacing it with a 38m² decorative stone wall designed to complement the church’s historic architecture.
Key improvements included:
New drainage system – Installing piping at regular intervals to protect the structure from water damage.
Decorative coping stones – Adding a refined finish in keeping with the site’s traditional aesthetic.
Reused original materials – Where possible, salvaged stone was used for backfilling, minimising waste and environmental impact.
To improve access for all visitors, we carried out:
Footpath resurfacing for a smoother, safer approach.
Kerb resetting to improve stability and appearance.
New pedestrian gates to welcome the community back to the restored area.
Additional work included brickwork repointing and timber splicing to repair an original chamfered support post – a detail that maintains the authenticity of the structure.
Throughout the project, our focus was on preserving the site’s unique character while making it fit for future generations, by working carefully around existing features – including memorials and mature trees. Our teams ensured that the church grounds remain a respectful and beautiful space.
This restoration reflects the purpose of OCU’s volunteering scheme: giving our people the opportunity to use their skills to benefit registered charities and community projects.
The Abbey Church grounds are now safer, more accessible, and more visually striking, a space the local community can enjoy for years to come.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who contributed their time, effort, and expertise to make this project possible.
Swipe through to see highlights from our visit to The Abbey Church.
