National Churches Trust announced the winners of the Church Architecture Awards 2025 on Thursday 15 January at St Millitus College, Kensington, one of which was St Win’s in Totton! St Win’s were presented with the Presidents’ Award, which celebrates the best new church building, including re-ordering, extensions or alterations to existing church buildings.
Nigel Walter, Trustee of the National Churches Trust, said, “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be a partner in the Church Architecture Awards, as part of our wider National Church Awards and engagement strategy. These awards play an important role in championing excellence, innovation, and care in the stewardship of church buildings across the country.”
Snug Architects led the redesign at St Win’s, and Beth Malinowski, part of the project team, regularly attends St Win’s. She said, “As an employee at Snug Architects and a member of the congregation at St Win’s, it has been a real joy to see the refurbished church building support a thriving, growing community and provide a spiritual home for so many people.”
It was felt that the entrance to the building lacked the contemporary feel that reflected the new expression of church St Win’s embraces. The redesign therefore included a generous lobby, a new café, a flexible hall, and new toilets. The interior was also decorated throughout, significantly improving the functionality of the building and warmth of welcome.
The result is a renewed, growing and thriving church, whose building helps to provide both an inspiring place to worship and a warm welcome at the heart of the community in Totton.
Revd Ali Hill, Rector at St Win’s, said, “I was delighted to hear that St Win’s has received this award. Snug’s deep understanding of both the church and the needs of the wider community was integral to the revitalisation of St Win’s. Receiving this award has been a great encouragement to us all, recognising the strength of the partnership between Snug, the DAC (Winchester Diocese), and the church. We are so grateful that the St Win’s community will be able to enjoy this beautiful building for many years to come.”
