Case Study
Hope Street Church
Location:
Wrexham
Project type:
Heritage refurbishment
Project value:
£2.5 million
Client:
Diocese of St Asaph / Lawray Architects
Completion:
2021
Project overview
JPS provided the structural engineering design for the refurbishment and conversion of the former Burton’s menswear store in Wrexham, transforming the historic town centre building into a new community church for the Diocese of St Asaph.
The project involved the sensitive repair and strengthening of the existing structure and historic façade, alongside extensive internal modifications to create flexible community facilities.
The completed development provides community space at ground floor level, meeting and workshop facilities on the first floor, and an open-plan congregation space on the second floor, securing a new future for a prominent historic building.
The engineering challenge
The scheme presented several challenges, including:
- Sensitively repairing and strengthening a historic building while preserving its character and appearance.
- Assessing the existing structure for a change of use from retail to community and worship spaces.
- Undertaking structural loading checks to accommodate new occupancy requirements.
- Integrating new structural elements within the constraints of the existing building fabric.
- Delivering modern community facilities while minimising disruption to the historic structure.
The engineering solution
JPS was responsible for:
- Providing structural engineering services for the refurbishment and conversion project.
- Undertaking structural assessments and loading checks of the existing building.
- Designing repair and strengthening works to the historic façade and structure.
- Developing structural solutions to facilitate the change of use.
- Integrating new structural elements alongside the existing building framework
- Designing strengthening measures where required to meet current performance standards.
The outcome
- Successful conversion of a former retail premises into a vibrant community church facility.
- Preservation and enhancement of a prominent historic building within Wrexham town centre.
- Safe and efficient adaptation of the structure for its new use.
- Creation of flexible spaces for worship, community activities, meetings and workshops.
- A sustainable reuse project that extended the life and value of an existing building.
