In this Podcast Impact board members James Webster and Debs Stephens answer questions about the project from Barrie Stephenson and Amber Boydell. James and Debs review progress made in 2019 including consultation with the amenity societies; discuss timing and opportunities for the church during the project; and this year developing the detailed design, a key priority, to ensure Impact serves our vision.

We are excited to let you know that LDN Architects (Architect C!) has been chosen following the outcome of the Architects’ presentation day on 29 May 2019.

LDN Architects was one of the most popular design teams, from the survey feedback, and clearly favoured by Church members. They were particularly liked for their proposed layout but also for the flexibility of their approach. Board members on the evaluation panel consistently ranked LDN Architects highly and members of the Technical Advisory panel could see how LDN’s scheme could work with the church building. Their design report and costings were detailed and realistic, giving us reassurance of their fit with St Michael le Belfrey.

It’s important to note that all the teams at the presentation day on 29 May demonstrated a significant investment in time and creative thought into the process, to produce ideas they felt would help us support our mission and vision.

We know that many of you spent considerable time praying and studying the designs at the Public Exhibition, giving valuable feedback which helped the Evaluation panel make a confident and informed decision. Thank you so much for the support you have given in this first stage.

A press release has gone out from RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) on Monday 10 June.

So now we move onto Stage 2: Concept Design. The focus of the Design Competition was to help us select the right Architect. An introductory meeting with LDN is planned this month when we can feedback on their design ideas, share expectations of one another and review the timescales proposed for the project.

We are keen to have your involvement again, later this year, as we present more worked up Concept designs for you to consider and comment upon. Please pray that we establish a good working relationship with LDN Architects; for wisdom in the range of activities to be completed over the next few months and that, as a Board, we would keep looking to the Church’s mission and vision to ensure the project stays on track.

We will continue to keep you updated but as always any questions please email impact@belfrey.org.

‘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)
  

• Flexible seating
  

• 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’