St Mary’s Handbridge Centre

New Build Church Hall / Community Centre

Located in a conservation area and in the grounds of St Mary’s Church, a grade II* listed building, the Parochial Church Council appointed TNW in 2013 to carry out a feasibility study of the existing church hall. It concluded that the existing hall to be demolished and replaced by a new hall as the existing church hall did not fulfil the requirements of the current or future needs of the church and the community, whilst also becoming a financial burden to maintain.

Again, TNW were appointed to develop the project with the Development Committee. St Mary’s Handbridge Centre provides a dividable main hall for up to a capacity of 170 with an adjoining kitchen, two community rooms, a medical consultation room, café and offices. It surpasses the previous provisions and promotes positive social interaction and social inclusion.

The 502 sq/m development had a construction period of 36 weeks and was officially opened on the 10th June 2018 by the Bishop of Chester. It has been well received by its users and the local community.

In February 2020, the project was commended ‘Good’ in the Chester Civic Trust – The good, the bad and the ugly awards. The scheme received “multiple nominations and was regarded by the judging panel as a very significant asset for Handbridge”.

Image rights : Mandy Jones Photography