The vision for our buildings is to create a flexible space for Church and community use, without losing the traditional feel of the Church nor the intimate feel of the Church Room.

The overall effect of the proposals will be to alter and improve the existing Church Room and build onto it an extension of roughly the same size, fronted by an attractive cloister courtyard. Linking the Church to the Church Room will allow the buildings to be used either separately or together. Inside the Church, the main aisle will retain its traditional feel, whilst the north aisle will become a more flexible space. The seating capacity will increase.

Alterations to the existing Church Room.

• Connect the Church Room to the Church by building a lightweight glass link leading to new glass doors underneath the window at the back of the north aisle.
• Create a small office next to these new glass doors.
• Build a new extension at the west end of the Church Room to create another room for Church and community group use, especially the pre-school groups.
• Move the Playgroup shed to the other side of the Church Room.
• Make any changes as environmentally friendly as we can.

The proposals for inside the Church:

In the main aisle:

• Shorten the dais by just over one metre, standardise the gaps between the pews and insert an extra two rows of pews at the front.
• Put three short pews back in under the Piper Window.
• Keep the font where it is now.
• Move the noticeboards to the north aisle (see below)

In the chancel:

• No changes other than seeing whether the furnishings could be improved.

In the north aisle:

• Take out the existing organ and replace it with a smaller pipe organ with the pipes sited around the window at the back of the north aisle.
• Remove the pews, and provide chairs instead.
• Re-use some of the pews in the main aisle.
• Put in some shelving, leaflet racks and noticeboards at the back of the north aisle.
• Move the organ console, piano and choir seating further towards the back of the north aisle.
• Create a slightly larger children’s area. Replace the pew by the radiator with a bench seat containing storage for toys and books.

The north aisle will thus become a flexible space. On Sundays it will have chairs for services; on weekdays it could be turned into an open area for meetings, exhibitions, groups, coffee café.

Vestry:

• Maintain it largely as it is now as the ‘engine room’of the Church.
• Enlarge the flower storage cupboards.
• Install a better “kitchen” area.

Glass:

• Renew the window protectors on the stained glass.

General:

• Refurbish all retained pews.
• Refurbish the flooring.
• Renew the heating system (retaining and flushing out the existing radiators, but removing some unsightly pipes).
• Redecorate throughout.
• Renew the light fittings as needed.
• Install a video downlink for the bellringers (to help train new ringers).

St Peter’s Church PCC February 2009