Saving St Mark’s, North Audley Street W1
This Grade I listed building was declared redundant over 30 years ago and has been struggling to find a viable new use capable of supporting its distinguished and important fabric for all this time.
Our clients, an investor and an operator, have come together with an imaginative concept for a ‘wellness centre’ MAYFAIR HEALTH which will meet modern concerns with a holistic approach to mind and body. Everything from stress management and diet to meditation.
We have made a lawful use certificate application, commissioned an historic appraisal of the fabric of the church and have worked up proposals for the rescue, repair and reuse of St Mark’s.
The Certificate was granted by Westminster City Council in April 2006 and the required ‘Pastoral Measure’ by the CofE Redundant Churches Commissioners in November 2006.
An approach to the conservation and repair of the building has been prepared with the assistance of Wilson Stephen Associates. Structural investigations have been carried out with Alan Baxter Associates as consulting engineers and design work is underway in preparation for the listed building application.The revised Wellness Centre proposals are illustrated below in plans and images. Strong opposition emerged from evangelical interests and the wellness centre scheme went to appeal with an inquiry in October 2009.
LATEST: A 112 year lease of St Mark’s has been boought from the Diocese of London by Hammer Holdings Ltd. The building is now being repaired and put into use as a venue and conference and exhibition centre. Photos of events which have already taken place for London Fashion Week and Grosvenor Estate follow below. Hammer Holdings has offered St Mark’s to St George’s the parish church in Hanover Square for Sunday worship while it undergoes restoration over the coming months. Community uses are also taking place such as the exhibition and meeting by Grosvenor Estate on the future of North Mayfair. The Association of Consultant Architects will have its AGM dinner and a public exhibition of Hellman cartoons in May 2010.
The appeal relating to the Wellness Centre scheme is now subject to Judicial Review.
A Listed Building Application was submitted in March 2010 to provide facilities, fire escapes and wheelchair lift. This will shortly be illustrated below. Please email comments or suggestions to brian@bwcp.co.uk.
Updated: March 2010
IMAGES OF RECENT USE OF THE BUILDING BY GROSVENOR AND LONDON FASHION WEEK:
. pdf files of the plans below and images may be downloaded: just scroll down!
.pdf files for downloading:
crypt plan/ ground plan/ gallery plan/ roof plan
section A-A/ section B-B
images [large files]
front view/ mort safes relocation
.pdf files which explain the changes
Schedule of works requiring consent or permission
Floor areas added [Excel file]