Out goes the ‘monster’ church, in comes ‘a peaceful building’ for Camden Square
Plans that sparked objections replaced by designs ‘full of light, space and quiet’
Published: 5th May, 2011
by TOM FOOT
PLANS for a multi-coloured, box-block church with an imposing 40-foot cross were branded a “monster” by conservationists when the designs first emerged in 2008.
But St Paul’s Church, in Camden Square, Camden Town, has had a rethink and now the New Journal can give a sneak preview of the new design.
A striking modern development – with columns, a tower and cross to mark it out as a church – includes space for six town houses around the back, with one to be used as a vicarage.
Fr Philip North, team rector for the parish, said: “We have listened to residents and to the council, and have revised our designs in response to their concerns. Crucially, the height of the complex is lower than the surrounding houses and the new buildings will be surrounded by trees.
“The new church will blend well with Camden Square: a peaceful building full of light, space and quiet. There will also be open spaces – courtyards, roof gardens and cloisters – as well as a wide range of community facilities, including a large hall, meeting rooms, a kitchen and a coffee shop.”
The previous development had space for 32 flats in a mixture of private and social housing.
Chaplain Judy Powell said: “There is at least as much community space, and it will be able to be opened out. In the new design the church can stay open all day.” The church hopes to go into partnership with a property developer.
The Church of England commissioned the present building as a temporary place of worship in the late 1950s after the original church was bombed in World War II.
Except for a small steeple, the new building has a much lower elevation than the original plans.
The large cross on the front has been removed but a taller one will straddle the tower.
Residents have been sent letters about the changes but the designs by Camden architect John Kerr have not been seen until today (Thursday).
Camden Square Neighbourhood Association said it would comment on the plans when they go on show on Sunday, May 15, at 3.30pm and on Friday, May 20, at 7pm in the church.