Looking to the Future, Caring for the Past
St Mary & St Nicholas, Littlemore - Grade II*
The nave before work began
The nave after completion of the project
The church wanted to create a flexible, well-equipped space to serve their local community. This was achieved through a re-ordering of the interior of the building while the exterior remained unaltered to create the new Newman Meeting Space.
An organ gallery was created at the west end of the church allowing space below for a well-equipped kitchen, DDA toilet with baby changing facilities, lobby area and storage. The organ was re-located on the gallery with additional space for musicians and choir.
A new stone floor with an underfloor heating system was laid in the nave, and the pews were replaced with flexible seating. The floor levels were rectified with the use of a shallow incline between the nave and the chancel to allow easy access. New lighting was installed to create a light, welcoming space, and the whole area was redecorated. The tower room (previously two vestry rooms) was re-modelled to create a meeting room with level access.
In addition to the alterations, repair work was carried out to some of the external stonework and the reredos was restored.