In order to make way for the new church, the original building has been demolished and special permission was required from the consistory court that was held by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Durham. Many features of the original building will be retained within the new church - items such as the altar, pulpit and the stained-glass windows will be transferred.
Severfield-Reeve has been involved since the inception of this project and, working hand-in-hand with the church, created the design concept, developed the design details, the specification, the overall costs and then obtained planning permission. Severfield-Reeve also played an important part in the fundraising process, working with the church’s committee and vicar.
Work commenced on site on 12th May and the Serverfield-Reeve team is currently working towards the all-important deadline of Christmas 2008 to deliver the brand new church. To be included will be improved acoustics and insulation, additional vestries as well as an additional 50 per cent seating, a change particularly welcomed by the church’s vicar, John Dobson who comments:
“The church was built in 1937 and was dearly loved by our congregation and well maintained but it was reaching the end of its life. The increase in size will enable better circulation as well as give us space for larger services. The new All Saint’s Church will also provide a 21st century facility where the church can continue its work for many generations to come.”
Derek Norfolk, construction director at Severfield-Reeve Projects, who will lead the team, said:
“This is an important project for both Severfield-Reeve Projects and the Diocese of Durham and we understand the sensitivities and expectations that come with designing and building a new place of worship. The congregation has been involved from the outset and we look forward to presenting them with the finished project in time for Christmas.”
