The new extension to St James’ Church, listed Grade I in the heart of Grimsby, was conceived in the 1990s to provide a rehearsal room for the choir school.  It was not until this purpose was combined with community use – training, cultural and social activities, that funding (from five different sources) was found to bring the project to fruition.

 

On such a sensitive site, English Heritage were involved in the design from the outset.  The extension has been executed in sympathetic materials and workmanship to match the existing church – which meant Ancaster stone and oak joinery.  The stone detailing is taken and in some case scaled down from the existing church.

 

The principal space – almost a perfect cube - is lit from above to provide natural light and maintain privacy.  It is linked to the church via the Arts and Craft vestry building, which was completely remodelled internally to provide an additional meeting room/vestry and new toilets.

 

The extension has been very well received by both English Heritage, who describe it as ‘a handsome addition to the complex of buildings’ that relates ‘sympathetically to the east end of the church’ and the client – ‘We’re very very pleased with it.’  No architect could ask for a better accolade!