St Peters Church, Harrogate:

William Anelay has been appointed as principal contractor to oversee the construction phase of a major refurbishment of St. Peter’s within the busy town centre of Harrogate.  This Grade II Listed Victorian Church was built during the 1870’s and was later extended in the 1930’s.  The church has been re-ordered and refurbished over the years but has not required any extensive repairs.

The project will see the existing extension demolished to make way for a new three storey structure to the rear of the church that will extend the choir and clerical vestries, kitchen and toilet facilities and provides additional meeting space for the wider community.  The aim is to enhance the existing traditional building fabric and make best use of energy and environmentally efficient materials.  To do this, a single story link building has been designed that will externally wrap around the curve of the nave and will allow separate access to the new extension.  It will be of steel and glass construction to make best use of natural light and so that the historic building element is still visible to the passing public.

Internally, reordering works will comprise of new electrical installations and redecorations.  A Fair Trade shop which operates out of the main church will be relocated to the current entrance area and the vacant space will be remodelled to provide a larger entry way which will facilitate easier access for church users.

The building will remain in partial use in the early stages of the project however the church is due to close after Easter when the main fit out works will commence.  The project is expected to be completed Winter 2011.