The Belfrey Receives Planning Permission for Impact Project
We have recently confirmed that we have received planning permission and listed building consent from City of York Council for the external elements of Impact, our proposed major building project. The permission includes over £3.5m worth of urgent external repairs and improvements to the fabric of the St Michael le Belfrey.
Permission is subject to certain planning conditions including the requirement for a written scheme of investigation for archaeology before construction commences. The approved works, due to start later this year, will include a new roof as well as repairs to the stonework and medieval stained glass. In addition, the proposed design will create two new doorways and level access to the front/west end; while the installation of an air source heat pump to the east of the church building will provide underfloor heating.
The first major refurbishment to the church building in more than 150 years, The Belfrey’s Impact project will create a far more welcoming, flexible and accessible entrance area and ensure the building is sustainable for generations to come. The improvements will enable us to serve the city of York and our community better. Nestled close to York Minster, we welcome 35,000 visitors a year and have a 600-strong congregation across our four services, engaging in a creative and vibrant ministry.
As a church, The Belfrey would like to thank our planning consultants O’Neill Associates who have consulted with City of York Council throughout the application process, and our amazing architects, LDN, for the extensive submission and subsequent revision of drawings and documents as we responded to the Council’s comments and advice.
The repairs are forming part of our bigger £11m Impact project to beautifully transform the church building for future generations. The interior of the church is currently inflexible and inaccessible with uneven floors and poor facilities, and is in desperate need of modernisation. The proposed renovations to the interior have to be approved through the Church of England’s Faculty process. They include the creation of better toilet facilities, new meeting spaces, cafe and servery area, new gallery and lift, together with updated technology and flexible seating. An accessible full immersion baptism pool will be created for use by The Belfrey and churches throughout the area. Impact was recommended by the York Diocesan Advisory Committee in November 2022 and we look forward to reaching an outcome later in the year.
The proposed two-year project of repairs and renovations is due to start in late 2023 with completion in late 2025. It will deliver a far more flexible, accessible building that is fit for purpose practically and spiritually, to serve the city of York, the Diocese and beyond. We expect the Impact project will deliver numerous outcomes which include expansion in our work with children, young people and students. We will be better equipped to deliver our social action programme for the city, including expanding our newly opened Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, and a soon to be launched counselling service, amongst other initiatives. Impact will facilitate our vision to act as a hub for training and resourcing social action in partnership with other churches and charities in York. It will offer a beautiful mid-sized city centre venue, and we predict we will double the numbers of people who visit.
The Belfrey congregation and staff team will be moving to The De Grey Rooms in central York during the construction phase of the project.
For further information about the project, please contact Gillian Shepherd, Impact Project Manager on 07795 644680, email gillian.shepherd@belfrey.org, or visit www.belfrey.org/impact