Renowned practice of architects appointed to lead the design of the Bridport Parish reordering project at St. Swithun’s

A well-renowned firm of architects, with a particular expertise in church and architectural conservation work, has been selected to spearhead the development of this major project. St. Ann’s Gate Architects Ltd of Salisbury have been chosen from a strong field of highly respected architects. Four practices were invited to give detailed presentations to a steering group representing the team of Anglican churches in Bridport.

The ambitious plan is to reorder this beautiful church, located in West Allington, in time for its 200th birthday celebration in 2027. The aim is to make the church building more flexible and accessible so that it can serve the worshipping congregation, the whole parish of Bridport and the wider Bridport community. The Parochial Church Council of the Bridport Team Ministry approved the appointment of St. Ann’s Gate at its recent meeting.

The church is putting together a team of professionals to guide this million-pound project. The appointment of Crystal Johnson as Project Manager was recently announced and the selection of a firm of architects moves the project on significantly. St. Anne’s Gate has been involved with a number of cathedral and church projects and, most recently, has been responsible for a major redevelopment at Gloucester Cathedral and ground-breaking redesigns at St Thomas’ Salisbury and St Paul’s Winchester. Antony Feltham-King, a director of St Ann’s Gate will lead the involvement of the practice.

Mr Feltham-King, on hearing that they had been successful in winning the project, was delighted. “This is an iconic building and we are delighted to be able to work with the church team to create a building that will respect the past whilst helping to achieve the future that the church has in mind”

The Steering Group, chaired by St Swithun’s Treasurer Philip Sturrock, is now ready to move to the next phase of this work. He said, “We have big ambitions and we need to consult widely about the ways to realise them. We are very pleased to have appointed St. Ann’s Gate and we are confident that Antony and his team will create a building that will fit the church and the community for the next 100 years. Our aim is a church building that will both inspire and serve. We just know that, when it is finished, it will take your breath away!”

“But, to achieve this we shall need to consult widely and raise the resources to finance our ambitions. It’s an exciting prospect! “

For further information please see: https://www.bridport-team-ministry.org/repair-renewal/