In 2006, due to falling membership numbers, Poole Methodist Church Circuit made the decision to centralise worship and consolidate the Circuit estate.

Since the project’s conception, we have been working closely with the client to foster relationships and engender a sense ‘ownership’ to the scheme. This has proved particularly relevant where the complexities of the process have needed to be balanced with the requirements of a wide and enthusiastic membership.

As a result, the church’s vision had to be supported by a robust and confident design. Situated in a conservations area, a challenging planning process saw an agreement that the main church should be upgraded and the adjoining Halls demolished and replaced with a contemporary extension. The extension includes the building’s main entrance, new halls and various community spaces. The upgrade to the existing church sees the introduction of a new floor, with the worship space located at first floor level and a Community Cafe at ground floor.

Location: Poole, Dorset
Key Aspects: Architecture, Finance, Surveys