The church was designed in 1886 by London Architect A E Purdie, in a simple plain Gothic style. It is built on the site of the town’s old prison and the former prison governor’s house is now the presbyterium. Built of whinstone with red sandstone dressings and blue-grey Burlington slate roof, it is a church with nave and chancel, Lady Chapel and entrance porch.

The church sits in a quiet garden courtyard, just off the High Street. In 1971, following the rulings laid down by the Second Vatican Council, its interior was substantially re-ordered. The original St Cuthbert’s school next door remained in use for education until 1966 when a new building was constructed and the former school was converted to a church hall. This facility was greatly improved in 2009, with improved access, heating kitchens and toilets added.

In the church there are stained glass windows by an unknown artist above the altar, depicting the Annunciation and in the chancel, depicting Our Lady. Local artist Jerzy Faczyński created the stained glass of the Holy Spirit descending in the Lady Chapel and the colourful abstract in the baptistry. The frieze with the Stations of the Cross is by J. O’Neill & Son and the concrete and iron cross is by Liverpool sculptor Sean Rice.