Re-invigorating communities by adapting our important historic buildings

It is well known how difficult it is to adapt listed buildings for modern use, and how extending them can prove an even more complicated process at times. So much so that many developers shy away from them; particularly when they consider the extra planning red-tape which can slow down already lengthy determination periods. And still then, securing an approval is not straightforward.

Our recent project which secured permissions for the ambitious re-development of St. Michael’s Church, located at the heart of the Byker Estate in Newcastle, challenges these assumptions, and illustrates why change in our historic environment should be embraced and championed as best practice.

Working in partnership with The Lighthouse Project and Bradley McClure Architects, we were appointed as lead planning and heritage consultants to deliver this scheme through to determination following feedback from pre-application discussions with Newcastle City Council. The applicant proposed extensive alterations to the interior and exterior of this Grade II Victorian parish church and its grounds, all of which are in the setting of the Grade II* listed Byker Estate, on a site that holds a prominent position above the River Tyne.

The project seeks to create a range of multi-functional spaces both inside and outside the existing listed church and new extension. These spaces will support youth and community activities whilst maintaining a designated worship space.

Despite the key constraints on the site, which included heritage, landscape, and ecology, taking a proactive and positive approach with the various sub-consultants and Newcastle City Council’s officers meant we were able to provide quick, practical solutions for any concerns put forward. The Planning and Heritage Statement we prepared provided a strong justification for the proposal and the open dialogue we facilitated was undoubtedly critical to securing permission. However, in this case the pragmatism of officers allowed for a swift delegated decision. This is on a development proposal that could have been contentious and ‘called in’ to planning committee given it involved some harm to a designated heritage asset. Praise isn’t often handed-out to local planning authorities, but it is merited in this case!

Once built, this scheme will create the largest community hub in Newcastle whilst ensuring the continued use of St. Michael’s Church, which will also no longer be ‘at risk.’ This project was as much about re-purposing the listed building and its grounds as it was about strengthening a sense of place and ownership for the Byker community.

The Lighthouse Project is working closely with Historic England and Heritage Lottery Fund to deliver this project for the benefit of the local people and to demonstrate how, with a well-considered design approach, our historic buildings can be successfully adapted. In this respect, the benefits of this scheme stretch far beyond the Byker Wall.

What we value about our historic places can be protected and enhanced by new development, even when integrating renewable technologies to ensure their long-term sustainability.

If you want to find out why we should be prioritising the retrofit of our historic buildings, read our previous blog.