Description 2

The Crypt

Client: Anfield & Breckside Community Council, Ruth Little

Location: Anfield, Liverpool

Budget: £1.6 million

Status: Completed 2010

When ‘Hicks and Gillette’ redesigned the Liverpool Football Club Stadium, moving it within Stanley Park Alex Finlason was aware that the European funding for the community facility within the stadium would be lost. As it could not be built in time, the money would be returned to Brussels, which inspired him to do something about it.

At this time the Diocese of Liverpool had questioned the viability of Holy Trinity, and Alex had been commissioned to survey it and became a vigorous defender. Not only did he play part in saving the building, importantly, but highlighted the spire was about to collapse into the street below.

English Heritage supported our robust application with a maximum grant and we rebuilt each one of the eight stone columns (in turn) that held the spire in place. An understanding was also reached to continue to support the building with two further successful rounds of grant aid for the roof.

Originally in 2008, whilst the spire works were underway, the practice produced a feasibility study to remove the great mound of earth that surrounded the church and to extend and convert the lower ground floor into a community facility. This was to become the perfect recipient for the European money. Alex met with the church and local community groups and lobbied Liverpool City Council, Councillors, MP and officers.

They set a challenge; if we could build the scheme within a period of less than 12months we could have a fund of £1.6m. However, risking our professional fees, we needed to design it, obtain all the statutory consents and a fixed price tender before they would agree to progress. Our practice took this risk and worked hand in hand with the Council (who naturally wanted us to succeed) and in 2010 the centre was handed over on time and on budget.

  • Categories: Listed Buildings and Conservation

Related Projects

Finlason Partnership Ltd

Beech House
1, Cambridge Road,
Hale,
Altrincham,
Cheshire
WA15 9SY

01619294422

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