St Mary’s, Melton Mowbray – November 2013 “The stateliest and most impressive of all churches in Leicestershire”

A Historic Church for the 21st Century Key Issues Access – 19 th Century restorations lowered the floor by 13 inches! Facilities – Lack of welcoming entrance, meeting, crèche and refreshment areas Existing Plan Where were we??? The Previous Proposals

Three Interrelated Elements / Areas 1.West Porch and Nave 2.North Transept 3.Vestries Proposed Plan

West Porch and Nave Disabled Access – Raised Levels Glazed Draft Lobby and Heating Improved Lighting Display / Welcome Area

North Transept Access Refreshment Facilities Flexible Seating / Social Area Accessible Toilets Vestries Flexible Meeting Spaces Crèche Sound Separation Easy Access to Toilets Reorganised Choir Vestry

The West Porch The design approach for the internal west porch has been driven by the desire to create a contemporary light touch intervention that is fully reversible. The design and sizing of the new internal porch to St Mary’s has been developed to allow disabled persons to operate the doors unassisted. Where are we now??? Development of the Proposals

Glazed Draft Lobby Precedent – Ripon Cathedral

The North Transept Three key objectives have remained the same however there form has changed.

Flexible Meeting and Crèche Facilities – Sightlines The form and size of the pod has been arrived at so as to reduce its visual impact upon the interior of the church. To achieve this careful consideration has been given to the key sightlines within the church and the relationship of the pod to the stain glass windows within its proximity.

Flexible Meeting and Crèche Facilities – Sightlines

New Facilities - Pods Precedents St Botolph, Boston All Saints, Hereford

New Facilities – Kitchen Facilities Precedent – St Botolph, Boston

Supporting Work 1.A Statement of Need 2. A Statement of Significance including archeologically assessment University of Leicester Archaeological Services 3. Our Stage C Design Report by Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams 4. A report on the organ produced by Paul Hale with recommendations 5. A bat survey produced by Christopher Smith MRICS MSc CEnv. 6. An access audit produced by Phil Chambers Consultancy. 7. A report on the condition of the floor by the QI architect Peter Rogan.

Summary of Key Responses – English Heritage and the DAC Three levels of response received. A.Support to bring forward proposals for:- 1. Renewal and elevation of the floor including new services. 2. Organ B.Tentative support for:- 1. Internal West Porch (EH and DAC not in complete agreement!) 2. Tea Brew Facility 3. WC’s in north transept but also in west porch Further studies requested (Spatial Audit to inform options appraisal) C. Opposition to current Meeting Room / Crèche Smaller more traditional form preferred.

Possible Ways Forward Phasing of the Works Produce Spatial Audit and Option Appraisal Contest Objections! Q & A