Annexe Improvements: Investing in a Warmer, Greener, More Welcoming Church

Significant improvement works are underway in the annexe as part of our commitment to creating a warmer, more energy‑efficient, and more welcoming space for everyone who uses our buildings. The project is progressing quickly and is expected to take around five weeks.

What’s Happening?

We are:

• Installing a new insulated ceiling
• Adding polycarbonate to the windows
• Replacing the flat roof
• Widening the skylights

These upgrades will greatly improve the thermal efficiency of the annexe. This means:

• Lower heating costs
• A more comfortable environment for groups, ministries, and community activities
• A warmer welcome for all who come through our doors

(An artists impression of the finished ceiling)

Why This Matters?

This work is about more than maintenance. It reflects our vision and values as a church committed to generous hospitality, wise stewardship, and care for God’s creation. By reducing our carbon footprint, we are living out the Five Marks of Mission—especially the call to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. These improvements are a practical, faithful step in that direction.

Why the new ceiling?

With the annexe currently having no ceiling and only minimal insulation, the building loses heat extremely quickly. Warm air rises straight into the roof void and escapes through the uninsulated structure, meaning the heating system has to work much harder to maintain even a modest temperature. By installing a proper ceiling and adding 300 mm of high‑performance insulation above it, we will reduce heat loss dramatically. In similar buildings, improvements of this kind typically cut heat loss through the roof by 60–80%, making the space significantly easier and cheaper to heat. The result will be a warmer, more stable environment that stays comfortable for much longer, uses far less energy, and supports our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.

Why the polycarbonate?

We cannot afford to replace the original single‑glazed units with bespoke modern double/triple glazing. Polycarbonate therefore gives us the best of both worlds: it is lightweight, discreet, and fully reversible, while creating a vital insulating air gap that significantly reduces heat loss. This upgrade will help keep the annexe warmer, cut down on draughts, and make the space far more energy‑efficient. It also supports our commitment to caring for creation by lowering our energy use and reducing our carbon footprint—all without altering the historic fabric of the church.

Why the flat roof replacement?

As part of this project, we are also replacing the flat roof above the corridor in the annexe. The existing roof is now at the end of its life and can no longer provide reliable protection from the weather (hence the leaks!). Rather than carrying out the insulation works and then returning later for a separate roof replacement, we are completing both elements together. This is the most cost‑effective and least disruptive approach, ensuring the new insulated ceiling is protected by a sound, long‑lasting roof structure. Doing the work in one coordinated project safeguards the building for the future and avoids further disruption down the line.

Why the expanded skylights?

As part of the roof works, we are widening the skylights in the flat roof above the annexe. This will allow far more natural light to enter the space, making the annexe brighter, more pleasant, and more usable throughout the year. We also hope that this increased daylight will gently illuminate the stained‑glass windows from behind, allowing their colour and detail to be appreciated more fully from inside the church. By improving both the functionality of the annexe and the beauty of the worship space, this small change will have a meaningful impact on how our buildings feel and are experienced.

 

Why Now?

The Government will withdraw the Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme in March. To reclaim the VAT on this project, the work must be completed, signed off, and paid for before the scheme closes. Acting now ensures we make the most of the support still available.
 

Find out more: The Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme

 

Access During the Works

Following a risk assessment by the churchwardens, the annexe will be completely closed while the work is taking place.

• Toilets in the Parish Centre remain available; please speak to a churchwarden if you need access.
• We are working with all groups who normally use the annexe to ensure alternative arrangements are in place.
• Tea and coffee after Sunday services will be served in the Parish Centre.

 

Thank You for Your Patience

We know this creates some disruption to the usual rhythm of church life. Thank you for your patience, perseverance, and good humour as we navigate this temporary inconvenience together. The long‑term benefits—for our welcome, our mission, our finances, and our care for creation—will be well worth it.

Please keep the contractors, the churchwardens, and all involved in your prayers as the work continues.

 

If you have any questions please contact the Parish Office.