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Update on Building Work
The Holy Redeemer Church building has been unusable since 2007 due to a leaking roof. Restoration on the building began in the summer of 2011. Updates on the work will be posted on this page.
The good news and bad news
The good news is that our restoration and development brief has been sent off to three Architects this month. They will provide us with a costing for carrying out a feasibility study, which will look at possible designs and the cost of implementing our development ideas. The study should start in January and be complete by the end of February.
The bad news is that after the heavy rain we discovered that the church roof is leaking. The roof was repaired in July so it is a set back to find that it is still leaking. We initially discovered two leaks, which were then repaired. However, two further leaks were discovered after more storms. We will get the leaks checked and repaired as soon as possible.
December 2011
The long dry-out
After 4 years of inactivity, the large oil powered air heaters in the main church were fired up this month to help the church dry-out. The plaster inside the church will need about a year to dry before it is possible to assess the damage and begin repairs.
One of the two boilers had to be promptly shut down as it began to over heat and the paint on the casing began to burn. The plan is to run the remaining heater for a few hours a day with dehumidifiers to help the drying process.
The two oil tanks can hold 300 gallons each and the heating units can burn up to 3 gallons an hour. With oil costing 70p a litre, running the boiler for 4 hours a day will cost around £260 per month. That is another good reason to consider alternative sustainable heating sources in the new development.
If anyone can lend the church a dehumidifier to help with the long dry-out, please contact the office.
October 2011
Next phase planning
Following a series of consultation meeting, we have developed a draft vision statement and specification for the development of the Holy Redeemer. In summary our vision is
‘To develop the Holy Redeemer Church into a modern space that is attractive, versatile and sustainable for a variety of church and community functions, while preserving the character of the church for posterity‘.
Although it is unlikely that this development work will begin for some years, the planning needs to happen now so that any structural changes – like upgrading the electrics – can happen when the plastering is done, hopefully, next year.
Church members are still invited to comment on the draft plans. The next stage will be for the architect to produce concept drawings and do a feasibility study. Meanwhile, we will need to raise funds.
September 2011
Phase one complete
The first and urgent task in restoring the Holy Redeemer church building was to make it water tight.
Damage caused by theft
This work was completed in July 2011 by Farnrise Construction under the supervision of Carden and Godfrey Architects. The 10 week project included the following:
- Replacing cooper sheeting on the main roof
- Repairing asphalt on the flat roofs
- Deepening the gutters on the main roof
- Repairing and painting the church tower
- Installing a water proof membrane under the tower
- Repairing and painting the windows
- Installing experimental metal flashing to the windows
- Repointing some of the brick work
The works were successful but eventful: we had three attempted thefts of metal from the roof during the works, resulting in one arrest. We therefore had to take steps to increase security at the church, which included fitting permanent security lights.
July 2011
Fundraising
The first phase of the building work was funded through the sale of a church property. This will also meet some of the cost of phase two, which is estimated to be about £120,000. The Southwark Diocese has also given the church a small grant. But a considerable amount of money will need to be raised for the final development.
Various fund raising events have been planned, including a Christmas Fair. Individual donations are important and people can raise money in small ways through using a search engine and shopping online. But we are looking for people to come up with more fundraising ideas and organise events.
Do speak to Alan or Ian about your fundraising and building development ideas or post your comments below.
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More on donations. More photos of restoration. The building’s history
Margaret said:
Have you thought about solar panels on the roof of the church? This could provide income which would help the church. As Granton has just had panels put on their roof, prehaps communicaton with them would give you some ideas.
admin said:
Thanks, Margaret. We have considered solar panels and have asked our architect to advise us on various alternative energy sources. As you may know, the government has announced that it will slash the green energy tariffs that it pays to producers of solar energy. This makes solar power far less attractive from an investment point of view – as the initial outlay for the panels is expensive. But we will certainly get advice and it is good to know about Granton.