New Faith Centre at Stonyhurst College
Designs for a new £5million faith centre at Stonyhurst College have been given the green light by Ribble Valley Borough Council. The new Christian Heritage Retreat Centre, designed by Cassidy + Ashton’s heritage specialists, involves conversion of the Grade II-listed former corn mill at the site near Hurst Green.
The three-storey 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.
Michael Hartley, architect and heritage specialist at C+A, 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.”
The scheme forms part of a wider plan by the trustees of Stonyhurst Christian Heritage Trust to create a specialised centre at the school. Proposals for the building include preserving the building’s historic appearance while creating a new glazed entrance from the garden. Lord Alton of Liverpool, trustee of Stonyhurst Christian Heritage College Trust, said: “This 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.”
Cassidy + Ashton has previously designed the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade I-listed St Peter’s Church at the school, which was completed in 2011. It also designed the scheme to restore and refurbish the school’s historic libraries and create a Chapel Museum, which is now nearing completion.
