St Peter’s Church, Maidenhead
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The Open Church Project
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ENGLISH HERITAGE |
No Comment - Not necessary to participate in pre-planning discussions |
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VICTORIAN SOCIETY |
Accept foyer and cloister but would prefer only one door from cloister to church. Do not like proposed work at west end. |
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COUNCIL FOR THE CARE OF CHURCHES |
Support the project in principle |
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DAC (OXFORD DIOCESE) |
Support the project |
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PLANNING AUTHORITIES AND CONSERVATION OFFICER |
Strong concerns about the amount of development proposed on the site. Size of foyer is too large - compromises the tower |
- Too much is being proposed for the site.
- A modern addition is only acceptable when the bulk of the original building remains unaltered.
- The foyer is large and the need for solid walls compromises the tower.
- The loss of the large tree is regrettable as there is limited soft landscaping in the area.
- Investigate whether more accommodation could be proposed at the east end of the building.
- Acquire the 'Guardian Windows' building.
A presentation on the history and scope of the overall project is available.
This presentation (Powerpoint) can be seen here.
BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
In the late 1990s, the decision was made to reorder the church, with a view to making it more suitable for modern worship styles and to increase the building’s suitability for other activities, now seen as part of the role of the church in the community.
Because of the size and complexity of the task, the project was to be split into two parts.
Phase 1: Internal reordering of the church.
Phase 2: Extension and remodelling of the church building.
It was also considered that:
- St. Peter's church building is not very attractive or welcoming
- It could not fulfil its potential for community use
- Current facilities were not safe and secure and were difficult and expensive to maintain
- The space was not very flexible and could not easily be adjusted for different purposes
- There was not enough space for a growing congregation
The dream was of a Church that would be:
- open and accessible to everyone
- attractive and welcoming
- a vibrant centre for all to share
- in touch with the needs of people of Furze Platt
- equipping people for the complexities and challenges of life in the 21st century
- caring for one another and offering support and understanding
- where young and old find healing and wholeness
- for seven days a week - where God is for Monday as well as for Sunday
- where all are encouraged to give of themselves
- marked by a true sense of God's presence
- practising God's command to love one another in openness and forgiveness
Former Vicar, Rev. Lee Rayfield, launching the project in 2001 said, "Our vision for redeveloping St. Peter's is to help realise this dream. It has taken shape over 5 years after many hours of discussion, analysis, consultation and, most importantly prayer. Now it is time to turn the vision into reality We have a clear sense of the challenge that lies ahead. Yet we also have a deep confidence that God has planted this vision and His Spirit will lead us through. We feel the quiet excitement of faith.
Building St. Peter's for the future is not going to be easy but true faith in Jesus Christ involves taking risks. Through it we shall grow in our discipleship and our appreciation of the God who loves us.
Will you share this adventure with us?"
Phase 1: Church Internal Reordering
The first phase of Building for the Future, involving renovating the interior of St. Peter's has now been completed, with the practical, financial and prayer help of many people. This forms the St Peter's church that you see today and involved:
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Removing the pews and replacing them with 'comfortable' stackable chairs
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Removing the rood screen and choir stalls to open up the chancel area
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Removing the failing organ and replacing it with a new digital organ
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Installing a permanent platform for the Worship and music group.
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Repainting and lightening the interior and renovating the flooring
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Improving the lighting, audio-visual and heating systems
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Installing a glass screen between the chancel and tower to create a new room.
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Installing new storage cupboards in the Jubilee room
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Fitting out a new vestry
Music group on new platform
Altar and sanctuary
Redecorated interior
Phase 2: Church Extension
The second phase of Building for the Future concerns extensions to the building. At the time that the Building for the Future Phase 1 project, outlined above, was planned, some outline ideas and plans relating to Church extensions and adaptation were also produced. In 2005 the PCC of St Peter’s commissioned JBKS architects, a firm very experienced with church related work, to advise on the feasibility of extending and altering the facilities of the church and church rooms; the need for change having arisen out of the impact the site and buildings have on the ongoing work, worship, ministry, and mission of the church.
Subsequently, the architects produced concept proposals to provide for the following practical needs:
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Additional space for Sunday activities and Young Church.
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A new church entrance which is attractive, visible and welcoming.
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A new, better located, and more accessible Parish Office.
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Larger kitchen facilities
These proposals were discussed with the congregation in April 2006, and subsequently revised by the architects to take on board observations raised by the congregation and the BFTF team.
BFTF progress report number 1 , published in February 2007 is here.
BFTF progress report number 2, published in June 2007, includes the latest proposal concept design, and is here.