Reflecting on 2021 and Looking ahead in 2022
Working on the Impact Reordering and Repair project in 2021 involved a series of intricate steps as we moved our way through the detailed consultation process on this precious Grade 1, 16th century Church - precious because of its historical significance, beautiful architecture, its wide ranging connections and most of all its mission as it seeks to serve God’s transformation of the North.
Concept design - the big design ideas - was signed off in early summer and we expect to sign off on Stage 3 Detailed (developed) Design early this year and move into Stage 4 Technical Design.
The project represents a significant investment in resources and has required careful value engineering to bring costs back in line with the £9m budget (figure assumes VAT recovery). This will involve further design work around the link from the church building and vestry into 12 Minster Yard which is a much needed space for meeting rooms.
Through an extended pre application planning process, a series of meetings have been held with the City of York Council Conservation Architect and Planner and now we await the report.
We continue to meet with the sub-committee of the wider Diocesan Advisory Committee, who have become valuable and critical friends, to get their advice and comment and have followed a similar process with York Minster’s Fabric Advisory Committee.
In October we held a successful Update and Partner event for City organisations and individuals so we can build stronger relationships, keep them informed and involved including; the Lord Mayor, Councillors, Charities, commerce, York BID and Make it York.
Two key letters were received this year – one from the Church Buildings Council and one from Historic England. Both of these bodies recognised the design progress made, how the Design and Project teams had listened carefully to the arguments made and advice given while making a strong case for justifying the proposed scheme. The potential objections and levels of concern have substantially reduced which is a very big step forward for the Project.
I personally am grateful to all the people within the advising organisations I have consulted with this year as they have shared great expertise and integrity. I am also grateful and have enjoyed working with LDN Architects, the wider design team and a brilliant Project Board.
This year key priorities to achieve are to plan for the decant of the Belfrey community so there are ‘fit for purpose spaces’ to meet and deliver our mission during construction; to launch a campaign to raise whatever extra funds we may need; and to submit applications and gain permissions from City of York Council and the Church of England’s faculty process.
As ever the project continues to balance missional ambitions against resources. The whole project can appear challenging on paper but through God all things are possible.
“. . . Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4 v8-9