Planning Submission date: 2016 Completed on site 2019
Contract value: £2.3Million
Gross internal floor area: 880 sq.m.
After winning this project from a select list of Architects, MSA were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study into the viability of refurbishing the church's existing building and to explore the possibility of integrating a new first floor, a lift, to provide a new smaller sanctuary space and to be disabled/wheelchair accessible. The existing Quinquennial indicated the facility is in a poor state of repair and requires extensive repair.It was therefore important along with the Quantity Surveyor to carefully consider the cost of any new proposals to ensure the project is viable
The site is within a conservation area and the existing church dating from 1900 is extremely tightly constrained and built in rendered brick and stone quoing features. Meetings were held with the local area conservation group, the general public and a Pre-App planning meeting to gain feedback into the design. A historic sketch image of the original design shows a large tower which was never built but, there is a truncated stubby tower on the corner which lacks presence. We therefore designed a new contemporary tower on the corner of the site which not only acts as a landmark but reinstates the the original intent. A feature coloured glass window has also been added to dramatic effect spilling colour into the stairwell. This and the new front extension are purposely designed to compliment but, be clearly identified as new additions to the building
The Fellowship's main desire is to change what is currently a very austere enclosed and unwelcoming space into one that attracts people, to create a more vibrant, light and user friendly church which not only serves the community but allows them to share in the truth of Gods word in a more welcoming environment and on into the future
This scheme was entered into the LABC Building excellence awards 2020 and is a finalist in the Best Public Service Building category.