We asked the church architect Duncan Sanderson from Kepczyk Pearce Sanderson Architects to carry out a feasibility study on the vestry area at St James. Asking that the area could be soundproofed and separately lit and heated from the rest of the church, and the partition removed.
We now have two options to consider, both have the following features in common:
- The colour of the flooring is only there to indicate the usable space as opposed to that which is the fire escape route. In Option 1 (below) this may be picked out in the floor finishes to assist those with limited vision find their way to the door in emergency situations.
- Regrade the paving outside the back door to form a ramp, taking out the step.
- Form a Porch or canopy over the door to keep people dry opening the door in the rain
- Assisted opener for the back door
- In order for the escape route to be the correct width and follow a more direct path (without having to ‘dog leg’ behind the organ), it is proposed to reconfigure the Watts screen so that the door opening is against the north respond of the masonry opening between the South Aisle and Vestry. The screen is formed from half panels at each end with 3 no. full panels (which have the inscription running continuously across the mid rail) between. It is proposed that the half panels are removed and repurposed elsewhere, the full panels moved southwards, with the southernmost made into the door. At the north end a new full panel that currently seen on the half panels.
The inscription is still continuous and more can be seen of the Watts screen by the congregation. This has been discussed with Diana Leitch, the church historian, and she has raised no objections. - Storage, there is storage behind the Watts screen and also to the left-hand side behind the choir stalls. This provides storage for Children’s church and vestments. The storage will be for visible Godly play, vestments, music etc and specifically tailored – any suggestions welcome.
- The safe is to be relocated in the left-hand side of the storage units behind the Watts screen.
- Where possible wood from the removed partition will be repurposed.
- Neither option is yet costed, as costing is difficult at present and if one of the options is selected by the congregation, then it can be costed by a Quantity Surveyor experienced in this type of work to inform decisions as to whether we then take this forward for a faculty (permission) to build.
Option One
This is as described, a large room, partition removed, storage installed, soundproofed, lit, and heated separately from the rest of the church.
Option Two
This shows a part height partition with head rail set at the height of the Watts screen alongside the escape route which creates two rooms.
The rooms are linked by a folding partition and so the two rooms could become one if necessary.
The smaller room near the back door, could be a small chapel and space for private prayer.
This option also means there is a separate space for wardens to count donations etc.
What you are asked to do:
Please comment on the plans and if possible, indicate whether you have a preference for either of the options. You can also say that you would like to see or change or raise a question on something which isn’t clear.
If you wish, you can view and download PDFs of all four drawings below:
Commenting is either by:
- Emailing Louise at this address: louisesmail@stjamesandemmanuel.org
- The plans will also be on display in both churches to be viewed by the congregation so you can then email or write comments on the paper provided and leave then in the comments box.
All comments will be looked at to inform the decision about what happens next.
