Severfield-Reeve Projects - General Development - Durham, Darlington

Date: 11 Jun 2008

Leading design, build and development specialist Severfield-Reeve Projects has commenced work on the new All Saints Church in Darlington, having secured a £550,000 design and build contract with the church. On Friday 6th June, the team from Severfield-Reeve Projects, the vicar John Dobson and children from the neighbouring All-Saints Blackwell Pre School were on hand to witness the work in progress.

In order to make way for the new church, the original building has been demolished. With it being rare for a church to be demolished special permission was required from the consistory court that was held by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Durham in the old All Saints Church earlier in the year. After inspecting the plans the Chancellor was described by the Church's vicar John Dobson as being "enthusiastic about the project."

Severfield-Reeve Projects has been involved with the church since the inception of this project and working hand in hand with the church created the design concept, developed the design details and the specification and established the overall costs and then gone on to obtain planning permission.

The Thirsk based construction specialists also played an important part in the fundraising process working with the church's committee and vicar putting together external and internal visuals that were presented to the congregation to explain the proposal in detail and assist with fund raising.

Many features of the original building will be retained within the new church. Items such as the alter, pulpit and the stained glass windows will be transferred from the old building.

Work commenced on site on 12th May and the Serverfield team is currently working towards the all important deadline of Christmas 2008 to deliver the brand new church with its improved facilities to the congregation. The improvements to be included will be upgrades to the acoustics and insulation standards, additional vestries as well as an increased seating capacity by 50 per cent, a change particularly welcomed by the church's vicar, John Dobson who comments: "The church was built in 1937 and did very well; it was dearly loved by our congregation and well maintained but it was reaching the end of its life. There were also issues with space as we would often have to use the adjoining Millennium Centre for overspill. The increase in size will enable better circulation as well as give us space for larger services. The new All Saint's Church will also provide a 21st century facility where the church can continue its work for many generations to come."

Derek Norfolk, construction director at Severfield-Reeve Projects will lead the team, said: "This is an important project for both Severfield-Reeve Projects and the Diocese of Durham and we understand the sensitivities and expectations that come with designing and building a new place of worship. The congregation has been involved from the outset and we look forward to presenting them with the finished project in time for Christmas."

Ian Walker Contacts Manager at Severfield-Reeve Projects & Rev.John Dobson