Local architects step in to revamp 1950s Methodist church in Sunderland

A Sunderland church has chosen architectural practice Howarth Litchfield to develop plans to create a new site by extending its current place of prayer.

Bethany Memorial Independent Methodist Church, located on Gleneagles Road in Grindon, has appointed the practice as lead designer and to provide full architectural services and contract administration services on a proposed remodelling of the church.

The building, which was constructed in the late 1950s, is said to be struggling to meet the needs of the church in its current state, anticipating a growth in visitor numbers. It is also neither energy efficient or easily accessed by wheelchair users.

Led by director, Keith Handy, Howarth Litchfield will use its experience of delivering ecclesiastical projects of this type to meet the client’s brief.

Following initial discussions with the church and stakeholders, many options were supposedly considered before reaching a solution which, Keith believes, will more than meet the church’s aspirations.

He said: “Bethany Memorial Independent Methodist Church sits within a large catchment area, attracting worshippers from other areas including Hebburn and is very much part of the fabric of the local community.

“While designing a new extension and fully remodelling the building, it is our intention to retain and utilise some features of the existing building while improving the external appearance.

“This will contrast with a crisp new extension featuring modern contemporary cladding and large open areas of glass. The old and new will be linked by a central café space which will become the hub of the building and a great space for use by the community.”

Currently at pre-application planning stage, Howarth Litchfield is working with: project managers and quantity surveyors Todd Milburn; civil and structural design engineers Portland Consulting Engineers; and building services design engineers Sine Consulting, to develop a plan for the scheme.

Howarth Litchfield anticipates the planning application will be submitted in autumn 2019.

Speaking about appointing Howarth Litchfield, the church’s investment in the community and its worshippers, church leaders Pat and Kevin Hodgson, concluded: “This is an exciting time for everyone involved in the church and the wider community.

“We would dearly love to provide more space to be able to welcome and accommodate an increase in number to the congregation as well as a wider range of activities for the community, including creating a venue that can host larger events such as conferences and weddings, to support the needs of a broader range of users.

“We have every confidence that Keith and the team at Howarth Litchfield will create a design which will give us the ‘beacon’ building/facility we desire.”