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CHANGES & CHANCES IN CHURCH USE Shared Use of Churches as an Alternative to Redundancy and Total Conversion Alexander Hobohm A dissertation submitted in part fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Historic Conservation Oxford Brookes University Department of Planning and University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education 2008 Abstract The Church of England (CofE) is facing a huge challenge in maintaining its stock of church buildings. With current funding patterns falling short of urgent requirements for upkeep and existing redundancy procedures often leading to unsatisfactory results, the dissertation investigates the shared use of churches as an alternative to church redundancies and total conversions of church buildings. The research has been carried out in the light of recent changes in CofE legislation on the sharing of churches and in response to a number of publications and initiatives on the future of church use. Case studies on sharing Anglican churches with the community and with commercial and residential partners, both in urban and rural areas, have been analysed with regards to the impact of shared use on the fabric of the building, on use and spaces, on funding and management and on the community. The research has highlighted that sharing concepts can operate successfully and have a positive effect on concentrating resources and generating additional income for the maintenance of church buildings, while also returning churches to play - once again - a more central role for the community. Small rural churches are likely to opt for flexible arrangements and multi-use of existing areas, while larger urban churches can more easily re-use vacant existing spaces or provide layered arrangements in new structures. 2 Close coordination between partners and careful planning of additional facilities is required to avoid the failure of sharing schemes, and programming, access and the appearance of spaces need to be resolved. Commercial schemes need to be carefully set up to be viable but not to degrade the church use. Living accommodation in churches is more likely to be acceptable for the community and the CofE, if public access to the buildings is maintained and restricted as little possible. Word Count 19,680 words 3 Contents Abstract Page 02 Contents 04 Figures 06 Abbreviations 12 Preface 14 1. Introduction 15 Conservation Focus 17 The Significance of Church Buildings 19 Challenges to Church Buildings 21 Contextual Review 24 2. The Church in England 27 Relevant Legislation & Bodies 28 Church Statistics & Funding 32 Redundant Churches & Total Conversions 35 3. Research Methodology 40 Research Focus 41 Methodology & Questionnaire 42 4 4. Case Studies 45 Church of England & Community Use 47 Church of England & Commercial Use 59 Church of England & Residential Use 81 5. Analysis 102 Church of England & Community Use 104 Church of England & Commercial Use 110 Church of England & Residential Use 120 6. Conclusion & Recommendations 129 Conclusion & Recommendations 130 Further Reading 136 Bibliography 137 Appendices 151 5 Figures Note: Figures listed with references have been adapted or taken directly from existing literature. Figures without references form part of the author’s primary research. Fig. 01 Publications on Church Use and Conservation Page 26 Fig. 02 The destination of redundant church buildings 1969 – 2002 35 Source: Cooper, 2004: 64 (adapted) Fig. 03 A nightclub in a church 37 Source:/www.mass-club.com/images/gallery/at6830.jpg Fig. 04 A church used as an antiques centre 37 Source: www.property.org.uk/unique/chpix/ant Fig. 05 Bathroom in a church converted for residential use 38 Source: Matzig, 1997: 07 Fig. 06 Subdivision of church spaces to form a number of flats 38 Source: Matzig, 1997: 17 Fig. 07 Conversion of a church to a museum 39 Source: Matzig, 1997: 59 Fig. 08 Example of a library in a converted church 39 Source: Matzig, 1997: 44 Fig. 09 Research Focus and Questions 41 Fig. 10 Questionnaire 43 Fig. 11 Case Studies 46 Fig. 12 Cambridge, St. Paul – External view 48 Fig. 13 Cambridge, St. Paul – Nave before re-ordering 48 Source: Freeland Rees Roberts Architects, Cambridge Fig. 14 Cambridge, St. Paul – Shortened nave after re-ordering 49 Fig. 15 Cambridge, St. Paul – Worship space at the East end 49 Source: www.centrestpauls.org.uk/Images/content/198/81806.JPG 6 Fig. 16 Cambridge, St. Paul – Church plan before re-ordering 50 Source: Freeland Rees Roberts Architects, Cambridge Fig. 17 Cambridge, St. Paul – Ground floor plan after re-ordering 50 Source: Freeland Rees Roberts Architects, Cambridge Fig. 18 Cambridge, St. Paul – First floor plan after re-ordering 50 Source: Freeland Rees Roberts Architects, Cambridge Fig. 19 Cambridge, St. Paul – Lower hall 51 Fig. 20 Cambridge, St. Paul – Upper hall 51 Fig. 21 Cambridge, St. Paul – Long section 51 Source: Freeland Rees Roberts Architects, Cambridge Fig. 22 Cambridge, St. Paul – Early first floor plan with flat 53 Source: Freeland Rees Roberts Architects, Cambridge Fig. 23 Cambridge, St. Paul – Early ground floor plan with flat 53 Source: Freeland Rees Roberts Architects, Cambridge Fig. 24 Wentworth, St. Peter – External view from South-East 54 Fig. 25 Wentworth, St. Peter – View from chancel towards new screen 54 Fig. 26 Wentworth, St. Peter – New screen between nave and chancel 55 Fig. 27 Wentworth, St. Peter – West end of nave with vestry and kitchen 55 Fig. 28 Kneesall, St. Bartholomew – New screen between nave and chancel 57 Source: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchcommissioners/redchurches/ srs/practicalissues.pdf Fig. 29 Kneesall, St. Bartholomew – The nave as village hall 57 Source: Lewis, p. 22 (see also reference for fig. 26 above) Fig. 30 Much Wenlock, Holy Trinity – New entrance and information desk 58 Source: www.members.aol.com/btquinn/MWPC/Brookes.htm Fig. 31 Much Wenlock, Holy Trinity – New meeting room 58 Source: www.members.aol.com/btquinn/MWPC/Brookes.htm Fig. 32 Cambridge, St. Michael – External view from Trinity Street 60 Fig. 33 Cambridge, St. Michael – Circular access ramp to church and cafe 60 7 Fig. 34 Cambridge, St. Michael – Cafe with serving counter and gallery 61 Fig. 35 Cambridge, St. Michael - New gallery 61 Fig. 36 Cambridge, St. Michael - View from cafe, glazed screen to chancel 61 Fig. 37 Cambridge, St. Michael - First Floor Plan (1960s alterations) 62 Source: Shona McKay (Church Architect), adapted plan Fig. 38 Cambridge, St. Michael - Ground Floor Plan before latest alterations 62 Source: Shona McKay (Church Architect), adapted plan Fig. 39 Cambridge, St. Michael - Current First Floor Plan 63 Source: Shona McKay (Church Architect), adapted plan Fig. 40 Cambridge, St. Michael - Current Ground Floor Plan 63 Source: Shona McKay (Church Architect), adapted plan Fig. 41 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – Old plan of church 65 Source: www.churchplansonline.org/show_full_image.asp?resource_id=0815.tif Fig. 42 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – External view of church 65 Fig. 43 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – Current plan of church 66 Source: www.churchbuilding.co.uk/archive/issue88/St_Paul_St_Mark.pdf Fig. 44 Paul’s Old Ford – Worship space with the “Ark” above 67 Fig. 45 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – East end of church with the “Ark” above 67 Fig. 46 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – Café & servery in the foyer 68 Fig. 47 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – Sliding walls to form community room 68 Fig. 48 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – Gallery in the “Ark” 69 Fig. 49 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – Gallery entrance with control desk 69 Fig. 50 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – Gym in the attic 69 Fig. 51 London, St. Paul’s Old Ford – New structure set back 69 Fig. 52 Walsall, St. Paul – External view 72 Fig. 53 Walsall, St. Paul – New mezzanine and first floor 72 8 Fig. 54 Walsall, St. Paul – Shops on the ground floor 72 Source: Lewis, p.12 (see also reference for fig. 26 above) Fig. 55 Walsall, St. Paul – Worship space on the first floor 73 Source: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchcommissioners/redchurches/ srs/practicalissues.pdf Fig. 56 Walsall, St. Paul – Meeting Room in the chancel 73 Fig. 57 Walsall, St. Paul – First Floor Plan 74 Source: Michael Reardon & Associates, adapted plan Fig. 58 Walsall, St. Paul – Mezzanine Plan 74 Source: Michael Reardon & Associates, adapted plan Fig. 59 Walsall, St. Paul – Ground Floor Plan 74 Source: Michael Reardon & Associates, adapted plan Fig. 60 Hereford, All Saints – Cafe seating in the nave 75 Source: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchcommissioners/redchurches/ srs/practicalissues.pdf Fig. 61 Hereford, All Saints – Staircase to gallery with vestry below 75 Source www.theplacebelow.co.uk/images/Bill-P-allSaints.JPG Fig. 62 London, St. Martin in the Field – Schematic layout of re-ordering 76 Source: www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/campaign/images/overhead- plan.jpg Fig. 63 London, St. Martin in the Field – The new cafe in the crypt 76 Fig. 64 Eskdale, St. Bega – External view 78 Source: www.eskdalebenefice.org.uk (link to images) Fig. 65 Eskdale, St. Bega – Post office sign 78 Source: www.eskdalebenefice.org.uk Fig. 66 Eskdale, St. Bega – Visitor information 78 Source: www.eskdalebenefice.org.uk Fig. 67 Eskdale, St. Bega – Post office equipment in mobile cupboard 78 Source: www.eskdalebenefice.org.uk Fig. 68 Moggerhanger, St. John – Community shop in the vestry 80 Fig. 69 Moggerhanger, St. John – sign at the church entrance 80 Fig. 70 Moggerhanger, St. John – internal view of community shop 80 9 Fig. 71 Moggerhanger, St. John – Community cafe/meeting place in the nave 80 Fig. 72 St. Mary, Chipping Norton - Room over porch 81 Source: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/723918 Fig. 73 Terrington St. John – Priest’s room next to tower 81 Fig.

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