Thumbs up to £5m Christian heritage retreat centre

PLANNING permission has been granted for a new £5m Christian heritage retreat centre at Stonyhurst College near Clitheroe in Lancashire.

The scheme designed by Preston-based architectural, building and town planning practice Cassidy + Ashton involves conversion of the Grade II-listed former corn mill at the college to create a retreat facility and a new access road to the building.

Cassity +Ashton’s planning team managed the planning application and listed building consent.

The scheme forms part of a wider plan by the Trustees of Stonyhurst Christian Heritage Trust to create a Christian heritage centre at the school.
 
It continues an 18-year relationship between Stonyhurst College and Cassidy + Ashton, which includes two previous phases of the heritage centre.
 
Cassidy + Ashton designed the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade I-listed St Peter’s Church at the site, which was completed in 2011 and also designed the scheme to restore and refurbish the school’s historic libraries and create a Chapel Museum, which is now nearing completion.

The Christian heritage retreat centre project is expected to start on site in April 2017. The main contractor is yet to be appointed to deliver the 14-month programme.

The three storey old mill building dates back to 1840 and is in a poor condition following the collapse of the roof and the first floor within the main section in 2010.

Proposals for the building include retaining the existing façades with their original openings and re-glazing these where possible, preserving the building’s historic appearance while creating a new glazed entrance from the garden.

The renovation also includes a new slate roof with roof lights to maximise natural light and provide ventilation for the bedroom accommodation within the retreat.

The scheme will also include landscaping to create a garden to the rear of the building and all cobbled areas surrounding the retreat will be retained and re-laid.

Michael Hartley, architect and heritage specialist at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “After 18 years of working with Stonyhurst College we are very familiar with the site and the wealth of heritage buildings it contains, including the derelict former corn mill.

“This scheme has been designed to respect the original building by preserving its historic features, while integrating modern additions that enhance natural light and the use of space to create a peaceful and inspiration retreat space.”
 
Lord Alton of Liverpool, Trustee of Stonyhurst Christian Heritage College Trust, added: “The planning and architectural teams at Cassidy + Ashton have worked together on the planning application for the project to ensure a collaborative approach.  

“The result is a scheme that meets our needs for a retreat facility, enhances the original building and its surroundings and answers the requirements of planning legislation and listed building consents.

“We look forward to seeing the transformation begin on site next year.”