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Design comp launched for St Mary Redcliffe
Elizabeth I famously described St Mary Redcliffe Church as “the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England”. What would she make of it today marooned next to a main road and a roundabout thanks to some decidedly unsympathetic post-war planning?
Built, and then re-built over a 300-year period from the early 13th century to the 15th century, the St Mary Redcliffe may be one of the grandest parish churches in the UK but has always lacked sufficient community and support spaces for its work in one of Bristol’s most deprived wards.
A design competition has now been launched to find an architectural team for a £12-15m project, which will give the church new community, social and support facilities. The initiative is linked to wider regeneration plans, placing the church at the heart of a new urban village.
is needed now More than ever
The development project, the focus of this design competition, will incorporate a range of facilities within a building or buildings: administrative and support spaces, exhibition spaces, a cafe, a shop, a meeting hall, and an expanded/new community centre.
The Reverend Dan Tyndall, vicar of St Mary Redcliffe, said: “St Mary Redcliffe is both a living church and a national landmark. Not only do we plan to expand our local outreach and mission but also increase people’s delight and enjoyment of the church.
“Our ambition is to create an outstanding experience for all, creating a welcoming atmosphere, offering hospitality and showing off some of our many treasures – which are currently locked away.
“We’re searching for a team who will be really energised and excited by this project, who will understand the local and the international, the historic and progressive aspects of this fascinating challenge.”
Malcolm Reading, architect and competition organiser, said: “This is a heart-stoppingly beautiful building, which has suffered from unsympathetic post-war planning – it has been stranded in a road network.
“The proposed redevelopment will position the church at the centre of Redcliffe, presenting the opportunity for it to become a true centrepiece, serving both its neighbouring community and national and international visitors.”
For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.competitions.malcolmreading.co.uk/stmaryredcliffe
Photos: Malcolm Reading Consultants / Emily Whitfield-Wicks