We have recently completed an extensive reordering at Bishops Stortford Methodist Church focusing mainly on the entrance, side hall and ancillary facilities.
The project addresses the challenge of entering a building with raised floor levels in an elegant way by introducing a new entrance foyer with a large curving ramp wrapping around the reception space. Beyond that the side hall has been fully refurbished, significantly improving its thermal performance, acoustic qualities, and lighting. Forming new roof lights against the main chapel building drops in lots of natural light, and at the same time reopening the original stained-glass windows, which had been bricked up, gives a sense of the character of the main church building in the side hall. Importantly this also dramatically improves the appearance and natural light in the main sanctuary space as well.
A new direct doorway between the sanctuary and side hall help to rationalise and improve circulation around the building.
To the rear new kitchen, and toilet facilities have been created, including a changing places facility to serve the town. This all enhances the churches accommodation providing modern and attractive facilities to serve the multiple users of the building, and the wider community. The side hall is now a welcoming and attractive place to relax and gather for the community, with a fully equipped kitchen to enable the church to offer hospitality to the community, and provides a venue that groups in the town can hire.
