Architects, Competitions, Designs and Exhibitions
'This is the first of a series of regular updates to let you know what is happening with the Impact project – the reordering of the church. The aim of the project is to create a building that is physically robust for the 21st century, more welcoming and flexible for all those who worship and come to visit St Michael le Belfrey.
We are now well into the Royal Institute of British Architects Design competition. We have shortlisted 5 Architects: Dow Jones, LDN Architects, Purcell, Simpson & Brown, Steyn Studio with Anthony Grimshaw Associates. Following tenders being submitted in May, St Michael le Belfrey will hold a Public Exhibition from Saturday 11 to Friday 17 May. People from the church family, businesses, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to view the initial designs Architects have created and provide comment.
Last year the church family highlighted a number of priorities they wanted taken into consideration and it is expected these will be reflected in the Architects' designs including:
New welcome area entrance at the west end
Fabric renewal inc stonework, roof and bell tower (highlighted in the Quinquennial report)
Improved toilets
Improved accessibility
After the public exhibition, members of the Impact Board will meet with each Architects' team to understand more about their submission and how it fits with the Belfrey's mission and vision. They will be supported by a technical panel who will provide additional advice to consider. By early June, we hope to have selected the Architect's team who will help us take the project forward.
We're also taking the time at this early stage in the project to seek advice from key organisations who will, or could, play a significant role in permissions and planning such as the Diocese of York, City of York Council and Historic England.
Very importantly our Prayer representative on the Board, and House of Prayer Leader, Sophie Dearden is encouraging the church to pray about the project and particularly
It's an exciting and challenging project which, when complete, will be a blessing to the Church family, the City and the visitor.
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." Psalm 127 v 1'
This will be where the story of Impact will be told in Blog format. There will be different writers at different stages. We hope it helps you engage with this incredible transformation of our Church life and buildings.