Gallery assessment & design progression

Following feedback from the Diocese, Church Buildings Council and Amenity Societies, the Impact and LDN Architects teams have been considering how that feedback affects the concept design and in particular the gallery and the pews.

For the first time we carried out a virtual survey to assess the Stairs and Gallery. We worked with Hugh Harrison, a specialist in historical timber conservation, sending through video footage and photographs to help him build a picture of what it looked like so he could give us his assessment of its significance. The board accepts that a future site visit may still be necessary but it was encouraging that we didn’t have to hold up design development to get expert input.

It was also confirmed that the arrangement of the collegiate (side facing) pews is more significant than if all the pews faced in the one direction so this too has been taken into account by the design team and what impact that might have on the flexibility of space in the church.

Alongside design development, the Statements of Need and Significance, which explain and support the designs, are being revised to reflect the advice received and ensure our line of reasoning is robust and easy to follow.

Do contact impact@belfrey.org if you would like to know more.