Additional space for expanding congregation
St Patrick's Church is a very active and popular church in Redfield, Bristol. The church was founded in 1923 and the buildings had been expanded some fifteen years ago but it was struggling to cope with the demands of an ever-expanding congregation. Parishioners from more than 40 nationalities were coming to worship in the buildings and Sunday mass had risen from 250 to 650 over the past three decades; further additional space was urgently required.
The Church is set within a busy residential area and adjoins a school and associated playing field. Parish Priest, Father Gregory Grant, was also keen to keep the Church as operational as possible throughout the time that building work was carried out.
Timely delivery and minimum disruption
Bristol based ‘Oxford Architects’ designed two extensions to the existing buildings to provide the required facilities. A two storey extension to the rear provided increased space in the church on the first floor as well as additional residential and ancillary space on the ground floor.
A separate single storey extension to the front of the building provides a new focal point for the church entrance along with office space and improved access for those with mobility issues. Increased parking and improved access to the adjoining school were also undertaken during the project.
Hookway provided Project Management, Cost Consultancy and Principal Designer services to the client, The Diocese of Clifton. Our involvement ensured that the project was delivered in a manner that would cause the least possible disruption to the church, the adjoining school and local residents, whilst being constructed in a safe manner to an agreed time frame and budget.
Parishoners delighted with extended facilities
The church extension provides extra seating for 120 worshipers and contains a large columbarium for the internment of cremated remains. The new extension provides an impressive entrance, much improved office and storage facilities, and is accessible to all.
Externally, forty new parking spaces have been created and access has been improved to both the church and adjoining school. The new kitchens and ancillary space will also enable the church to undertake more events outside of the main church area.
The works, undertaken by KP Wilton & Son Ltd, were carefully programmed around the summer holiday period and church operation times to ensure that both remained operational throughout with minimum disruption.
The new buildings were officially opened on July 17th 2018 with a confirmation ceremony and blessing attended by Bishop Declan Lang who is the 9th Bishop of Clifton. Father Gregory Grant and all the parishioners have been delighted with their extended facilities which are proving to be very popular and will continue to help provide enough space for all to worship for many years to come.