PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project involved extensive refurbishment and alterations to the church, including the creation of an enclosed meeting room and gallery viewing area with new access, upgraded facilities such as a tea preparation area and accessible toilet, and improvements to building services, lighting, and finishes throughout. Additionally, major plastering works were completed in the main entrance, sanctuary, and meeting rooms.

The works comprised of alterations and refurbishment of the church building. Key changes included creating an enclosed meeting room and a smaller viewing area on the existing gallery, along with a new enclosed stair to access it. At ground level, the meeting rooms beneath the gallery were refurbished to include a tea preparation area and an accessible toilet, replacing the second gallery stair.

Minor refurbishment of the rear toilets and kitchen was also carried out. Building services were upgraded, including installation of an air source heat pump and MVHR unit to provide heating and ventilation for the gallery meeting room.

New lighting was installed throughout, and updates made to the mechanical
ventilation, small power, fire alarm, and gas systems. The incoming mains gas
and electricity points and meters were also relocated as part of the overall
improvements.  Extensive plastering works to the main entrance, sanctuary and meeting rooms were carried out as well.

KEY CHALLENGES

Key challenges during the project included maintaining adequate heat levels within the church over the winter months to support plaster curing, which required careful coordination of temporary heating and ventilation. Additionally, all existing doors, skirtings, and furnishings had to be carefully removed, labelled, and stored for reinstallation upon completion. Working closely with the conservation architect, we ensured the use of appropriate materials that matched the church’s original fabric, particularly in replicating the traditional lime plaster and existing door mouldings.  Given the church’s location on a busy road, careful planning of material deliveries and waste removal was essential to avoid impacting neighbours or obstructing traffic.

ADDED VALUE

We worked closely with the Design Team and the client to keep the project on programme, while also staying in regular contact with end users to minimise disruption.