Phase 2 Autumn 2018 – Autumn 2019: The Link

Servicing both the church and hall, the Link has been the biggest and most expensive aspect of renewing our community halls.

The generosity of St Peter’s congregation and several charitable trusts have given the building a new lease of life.  Particular thanks are due to:

Viridor Landfill Tax Credits, who funded the new flat roof

The Robertson Trust

Allchurches Trust

The Baird Trust, who part funded a wheelchair accessible lift

Swinton Paterson Trust

We are also very grateful for the expertise of:

Benjamin Tindall Architects

Cornhill Building Services

Morham & Brotchie Quantity Surveyors

Irons Foulner Consulting Engineers

McGregor McMahon Consulting Engineers

Here are some of the team admiring the new roof funded by Viridor Credits.

Joining the church to the halls and providing kitchen and toilets for both buildings is the Link. Refurbishing this is the biggest (and most expensive) part of our project.

Problems with the old Link

The flat roof had been repaired numerous times but was well past its expected lifespan.  Water cascaded down the walls in places with heavy rain

The opening through the church narthex was only 61 cms wide.

Access between the two buildings was up and down a narrow turnpike staircase

For people with limited mobility it was difficult to get up the stairs to the church and choir vestry, impossible for people in wheelchairs

The four toilets were cold and shabby

With no insulation it was difficult to heat in winter

Things the Link has going for it

Bright light upstairs room suitable for 30 people to meet

Before: up and down staircase through a 60 cm wide window.

Large kitchen

Toilets and drainage

Direct access from a small car park

Direct connection between the hall and church buildings

Solving the problems with the Link

Replacing the holey flat roof with a new one

Adding six clean new toilets (one accessible) all on one level

Increasing the size of the opening between the two buildings and doing away with the up/down steps

Adding a wide staircase

Adding a wheelchair lift

The Lift being used.

Opening up sightlines so people can easily see where they’re headed

To acheive this the choir vestry will move from its present position to over the kitchen – and at last the choir can rehearse in a warm dry room that we’ll be able to open up to other groups

Results we’re hoping for

Both the halls and church are clean, warm, welcoming buildings where people want to gather

New choir vestry and community room

A space that’s easy to navigate for people with reduce mobility

A light, bright, accessible and dry room where small and medium groups want to meet

Increased numbers of individuals and groups benefitting from activities in our halls

Kitchen
Kitchen hatch to the hall

With more toilets we can extend our license to have more events happening at once

Older members of our congregation find it easier to get into church

Concerts and other events happening in the church on the six days a week it’s not used for worship

December 21, 2017