Following a design competition Robothams were appointed to design a master plan for the churchs renewal and refurbishment over the coming ten years. The original Victorian building was listed and, despite a major refurbishment in the 1970s, some elements required reworking to meet the requirements of current patterns of use. In addition to activities around worship the building is also heavily used by the local community; this placed an emphasis on creating a building more easily navigated and open to visitors.
Having conducted consultation events throughout the briefing and design process a phased strategy was established for the refurbishment with the first phase, aimed at improving the entrance and arrival areas, to begin in 2012. In addition the kitchen, an integral part of the facilitys use, would be relocated and refurbished to allow a greater level of catering on site.
Following user engagements and the formal presentation of the scheme the Diocese supported the proposals allowing the construction works to be procured using a traditional JCT contract. The first phase was completed in time for Christmas 2012. The next phases will address the worship space itself and make better use of the spaces at the rear of the Chancel and in the Transepts.