Hudson Architects receive planning permission for a Salvation Army building
HUDSON Architects has received planning permission for new worship hall and community centre for The Salvation Army in Chelmsford. The new building will reflect the modern approach of the Salvation Army, whose remit has changed significantly since they occupied their current premises, the purpose built Salvation Army Citadel in 1974. The current programme extends beyond traditional Sunday worship to include a growing community outreach programme, which requires a range of spaces.
The new building will create more architectural continuity in what is currently a confused urban quarter blighted by incremental developments. Featuring a 360 sqm courtyard space, the new development allows for future expansion of the centre’s facilities. Orientated on to Baddow Road the scheme will help to reinstate Baddow Road as the principal pedestrian route into the town centre. The 888 sqm building is 2 storey, respecting the scale of the neighbouring residential terraces. It is cloaked in a metal undulating roof, which sweeps down and anchors itself on the North and South elevations and rises on the south elevation into a landmark slim tall
tower - a contemporary interpretation of the traditional church steeple. It terminates in a lintel over the entrance on Baddow Road, which is generously glazed creating a dialogue with the street and projecting an image of openness crucial to the work of the organisation. The elevation onto Goldlay Road and the courtyard elevation are both clad in Eternit
panels CNC router pattern cut with imagery indicative of the work of the centre. Inside the interplay and separation of worship and community outreach has given rise to a scheme driven by zoning of worship areas, community uses, public areas and administration, which permit multiple concurrent activities in the building. The café, which will be a focal point for the community, is located in the foyer and is prominent from the
street. Forced air ventilation has been specified to control noise ingress to and break out from to the worship hall to the neighbouring residences.
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