Church Buildings Project
Culturally-relevant and accessible are key words to describe the church's plans for refurbishing the church worship area.
In 2007, known as phase 1, the entrance lobby of our listed building was modified to create an enlarged Welcome Area that acts as a hub for access to the Church or worship space to the right, the hall and Coffee Area to the left and the ancillary rooms to the rear. The new Welcome Area provides good ramped access for wheelchair users. A sense of openness and transparency was provided in the lobby through this work, designed by Nigel Walter of local architects Archangel.
The aims of the proposals for phase 2 are to provide a modern, welcoming interior where people of all walks of life can worship God in a comfortable, less formal space.
The worship space will be transformed while retaining original architectural features including the magnificent exposed timber roof, the large masonry arches, marble columns marble baptistery and organ. Most of the old pine pews will be replaced with modern cushioned stackable chairs that could be arranged in a variety of ways. The worn timber floor will be replaced with an insulated one with under-floor heating that will allow more flexible use of the building that could include: modern, traditional, youth and cafeteria-style worship services; Christian youth events and concerts; Holiday Clubs; community events and Christian conferences.
The walls and pine timber panelling of the worship space will be painted in light colour and up-lighters will illuminate the timber roof to give more light in the building. The front platform will be enlarged around the open baptismal pool. Lighting, audio and video projection would be improved and a new control booth made at the rear. The original main entrance to the building will be retained for use when requested for traditional services, weddings and funerals. The oak timber panelling (not original but of minor historial importance) will be removed with sections refitted within the church buildings. The stone pulpit will be moved to give a better aesthetic aspect from the church welcome area and to allow more space at the new centre of the front platform.
This work should be completed by November 2010 with a re-commissioning service on 5th February 2011
