Since the appointment of LDN architects in June and the dismantling of the organ in August, significant progress has been made on the concept designs for the Church reordering.

They take into account comments made at the public exhibition in May, advice given by Historic England and the Diocese and surveys of the building fabric i.e. stone, glass etc that have taken place over the summer.

We are now keen to share those designs to you, receive your feedback and seek your ongoing support and prayers.

On Sunday 13 October, we will give an update at each service about the Impact project, showing the changes made in the development of the Concept design since the first ideas seen at the Public Exhibition and remind us of how it will serve our Vision.

A consultation evening in the church follows on Thursday 24 October starting with food at 5.30pm, a welcome from Matthew at 6pm and discussion forum until 7.15pm. You will be able to talk to LDN Architects and members of the Impact board, ask questions, raise concerns and share ideas.

We have adopted this two stage approach, keen to give you time to reflect on what you see and hear at the services, and then have the opportunity to discuss and comment.

We look forward to seeing you.

St Michael le Belfrey and St Lawrence are delighted to confirm that work starts on dismantling the pipe organ on Monday 5 August. Work is expected to take up to 3 weeks as organ builders Nicholson & Co carefully clean, take apart the organ, and store all the parts and pipes in the side aisles of the church prior to transportation down to Malvern. After full restoration in Nicholson & Co’s workshop, the organ will return to its new home at St Lawrence.

Removing the organ is a key step in the Reordering project at St Michael le Belfrey as its aim is to develop a more versatile building that supports its vision and mission and encourages development of the activities of our community. The organ hasn’t been used to support worship for a number of years so the Belfrey is thrilled that its Denman organ will find a new and fitting home at St Lawrence's and remain here in York.

On Tuesday 13 August, starting at 12noon, Nicholson & Co will host an Organ workshop at St Michael le Belfrey, where people can learn more about this Victorian organ dating from 1885, one of the largest instruments built by York Organ Builder William Denman, and see the pipes and inner workings of the organ close up.

While the work is taking place, there will be restricted access around the church. Church family, volunteers and visitors will continue to be welcomed throughout August but will be encouraged to take extra care and shown the areas they can access.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and St Michael le Belfrey are pleased to announce that LDN Architects have been selected as the winner of the Contemporary Reordering of St Michael le Belfrey Competition.

The Grade 1 listed church, situated in the heart of York’s historic centre adjacent to York Minster, needs to be reordered so that it is suitable for 21st Century worship, welcoming to Visitors, and supports its ‘Resource Church’ status in the Diocese. The challenging brief asked teams to consider the required repair works to the existing building, as well as exploring how the church could be adapted to suit the needs of this modern congregation.

Download full press release below

Thank you to everyone who visited and viewed the designs from our Shortlisted Architects. The Public exhibition went well and we received over 250 responses from our Church congregations, visitors and stakeholders regarding the designs. Some of you spent some considerable time carefully considering each design and what was the best fit for St Michael le Belfrey which was important.

We know that people have continued to pray throughout the process and this was particularly appreciated by the evaluation panel.

On 29 May we met the 5 Architects teams - Dow Jones, LDN Architects, Purcell, Simpson & Brown and Steyn Studio with Anthony Grimshaw Associates. We were impressed at the level of detail and care which had gone into the submissions as each team sought to understand the mission and vision, the essence of St Michael le Belfrey and interpret that in their reports and initial designs.

We look forward to sharing the final results of the Competition with you soon.

Please visit St Michael le Belfrey during our Public Exhibition to see the initial design concepts that our shortlisted Architects' have submitted as part of their proposals. The Church will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and then 10am to 3pm Sunday to Friday.
You can view the design concepts and read the Architects' rationale for their design in the accompanying exhibition booklet.

If you cannot make the Exhibition then why not go to our slide show below and view the ideas online.

Throughout the week our Belfrey Doors teams, supported by the Project Manager, will be on hand to welcome you and answer questions you may have. On Saturday members of the Impact Board will be present to talk to you in more detail.

We look forward to meeting you.