KODAs architects conservation architect Fred Hamer has carried out the Quinquennial Inspection in Malvern at St. Gabriel’s Church. The church of St. Gabriel was part of a wider master plan of Malvern which planning for the rapid expansion of the settlement in the late 19th Century.

Built at the height of the industrial revolution, urban centres were experiencing massive growth to serve factories and business. As part of this rapid period of growth, churches and other civic buildings were planned and built as Victorian terraced housing encompassed them. However in the case of St. Gabriel’s the church was designed and built ready to serve the new community which didn’t come. The mass expansion of this part of Worcestershire was never realised and as such, this large church building serves a small community.

KODA Architects conservation architects Fred Hamer is the quinquennial inspecting Architect in Malvern for St. Gabriel’ Church in Worcester Diocese.

The church is an excellent example of 19th century ecclesiastical high Victorian architecture. The tall spire and imposing nature of the building is typical of High Victorian values, a contrast to older ecclesiastical buildings. 

KODAs conservation architect, Fred Hamer said "Its a pleasure to have the roll of inspecting Architect for such a wide range of building. The challenges we face with St. Gabriel’s is perhaps more heightened as it is a building which didn’t reach its full potential in serving the expectant population. We must think of creative ways to conserve this building as landmark to Victorian ambitions "

As with many other churches across the country, congregations are facing increasing repair costs against ever dwindling congregation numbers. KODA architects are specialists in working with PCCs in carefully adapting church buildings, diversifying their revenue income and managing change to these important buildaings. Take a look at out Church reordering page for more information on our process. 

KODA architects have recently carried out a Quinquennial Inspection in Gloucestershire at this Grade II* listed church. Built in the 13th Century, like many churches in in the area the perpendicular architectural style mimics that of Gloucester Cathedral.  The building has under gone a number of alterations and extensions throughout its history including being extended and altered during the 19th Century.

The building is an excellent example of medieval architecture and boasts gargoyles which were primarily designed to throw water away from the building as a cheaper alternative to rainwater pipes. When building churches such as St. Leonard's, as part of their trade marks, Masons began decorating them with stone carvings such as label stops, string courses and gargoyles, today these carvings characterise the medieval buildings and structures.

Project Information

Client: PCC
Listing: Grade II*  
Budget: Confidential 
Location: Gloucestershire
Diocese: Gloucester 
 

KODA architects Conservation Architect Fred Hamer assessed the historic fabric to monitor the rate of decay and has made recommendations on the conservation of the building and its monuments. For more information on church repair see our helpful pages Church Architecture.

As custodians of historic buildings, KODA architects work closely with church PCC's to help them understand their building and its complex needs through conservation. Watch our Instagram for updates of this project as it progresses through the onsite stages.

The principal aim of the church reordering project is to allow the church provide better services for its congregation. At present, the church is used for a short period of time during the week, tnew services will include a new kitchen, together with new WC facilities and introduction of flexible space to the west end. 

The church reordering works are set to be coordinated with a series of repair works which include re-roofing the chancel, repairs to the highly decorated Bodley paintings and installation of a new French drain to the perimeter of the building to reduced the levels of damp from within the building. 

The Church reordering has been carefully considered to minimise the impact on the fine interior and the setting of the Grade I building. New lighting and heating will enhance the space, allowing it to be used throughout the week instead of only a few hours for services. 

As this project develops we will provide regular updates, stay tuned!

KODAs architects conservation architect Fred Hamer has carried out a Quinquennial inspection Worcester of this fine mainly 17th Century church in rural Worcestershire. Built in the 12th Century, the church of St. Mary dominates the small settlement of Hanley Castle in Worcestershire. The church has undergone a number of alterations throughout its history including remodelling in 13th and 14th Centuries. In the English Civil war however, the church was used to house the kings horses and following a devastating fire, the building was rebuilt in the 17th Century in a modern material for the time, red brick. Some Norman architectural features survive of the previous iterations of the building which can be seen on exterior of the south nave wall. The building was later restored by notable Victorian Architect George Edmund Street in 1858 and boasts some very fine medieval and later stained glass. 

Dominating the building is the large brick tower complete with sandstone embrasures and brick lined staircase. KODA Architects conservation architects Fred Hamer has recently carried out the quinquennial inspection and is the inspecting Architect in Worcester for St. Mary's Church.

The church is an excellent example of 17th century brickwork which gives rise to its grade II* listed status. 

KODAs conservation architect, Fred Hamer said "Its a pleasure to have the role of inspecting Architect for such a lovely building as St. Mary's. I am an inspecting Architect in the Diocese of Worcester and with such veriety of buildings to work on in the Diocese it always keeps you on your toes"

As with many other churches across the country, congregations are facing increasing repair costs against ever dwindling congregation numbers. KODA architects are specialists in working with PCCs in carefully adapting church buildings, diversifying their revenue income and managing change to these important buildaings. Take a look at out Church reordering page for more information on our process.