Transformation of Anglo Saxon Church to flexible space
Lathams were conservation architects for the award-winning transformation of St Wilfrid’s Church, Barrow-upon-Trent (near Derby), a Grade I listed historic church with a long and interesting history. We worked closely with the client team, structural engineer, services engineer and interpretation designer to identify opportunities and constraints and deliver a scheme that meets the needs of the building’s primary use (as a place of worship) but also provides a much-needed modern, adaptable space, which now caters for a varied programme of events and functions. Early engagement with key stakeholders helped to steer the project and a good working relationship with the main contractor drove the project to a successful conclusion.
We opted for a ‘light-touch approach’ to minimise impact on historic fabric whilst ensuring legibility of the existing structure. Inappropriate recent additions were removed and new additions were sensitively designed to be discrete and reversible. Accessibility was greatly improved and now access is step-free and illuminated from the street to all public parts of the building. The project benefited from substantial grant funding (National Lottery Heritage Funding, amongst others) and received the full support of all statutory bodies.
“Lathams proposed a very different design for our Anglo-Saxon / Mediaeval church transformation from what we had envisaged, and it worked perfectly for us. Lathams were very easy to work with, very keen to help with any queries we had, and helped throughout the project from design to final closure of the building project. Matthew has been very attentive to all of the issues and queries throughout, and we would highly recommend this company.”
Churchwarden / Project Leader