Completed and Proposed Works

The St Stephen's Project master-plan provides for five works phases with each being financially and organisationally distinct but linked together in a workable sequence. Each phase is commenced when funding for that phase is in place.

Phase 1 high level repair (fully funded and works completed)
These works included extensive repair to the main roof and tower.

Phase 2 low level repairs (fully funded ~ works to commence in early 2011)
These works include repair to the Bow roof and all walls. This includes removal of damp penetration and renewal/decoration of internal plaster work.
 

Phase 3 Refurbishment for shared use

North entrance/internal ramp

• Floor of lobby entrance from High Street lowered to street level

• Main entrance door extended and architrave renewed

• New enclosed glazed lobby allowing access by wheelchair visitors

• New internal ramp alongside the north wall for wheelchair access. This will require removal of part of the floor and the provision of appropriate under-floor structural support.

Floor

• The main body of the building currently has flooring put in place during the 1970's following removal of the church pews and pew platforms and is inappropriate for heavy community use. The level of the floor varies and to create wheelchair access to the meeting room on ground level, the floor in the tower has to be lowered by about a metre. This is expected to require structural support for the tower walls. The floor in the proposed servery area is also at a different level and requires adjustment.

• The floor in the main body of the building is to be raised to permit the introduction of under-floor heating. This requires the removal of the temporary wooden flooring and the introduction of heating fixtures etc. below new heavy-duty lime stone flooring. It is estimated that the main floor needs to be raised about 20 cms. These floor level changes take place in conjunction with the ramp installation and removal of the existing temporary kitchen.

• Cupboards/rails are to be introduced to provide protection where the floor and ramp meet.

West end works

• Following removal of the existing temporary kitchen a new servery and meeting room is to be introduced.

• A new staircase and gallery (replacing a 17th century gallery removed in the 19th century) leading to a second meeting room is to be built.

• Gallery space for additional seating is to be provided.

• Electrical systems for lighting, heating, and communication are to be installed.

• The second currently hidden West window (already repaired on the outside in Phase 1) is to be revealed internally

Phase 4: East end works
These works include opening up the ancient St John's Chapel (the 'Old Sanctuary') together with specially designed stairs; providing a raised dais and introducing all-important storage facilities. 

Phase 5: South entrance
These works relate to steps and a new entrance in the south wall and to changes to the south-facing windows overlooking Catherine Square. An opportunity is to be taken to open up and explore the Saxon crypt which lies under the floor at this end of St Stephens and which has not been formally visited since 1826.