Memorandum by the Revd Nicholas Holtam,
Vicar, St Martin-in-the-Fields (CAB 05)
1. The buildings of St Martin-in-the-Fields
are a great deal more extensive than meet the eye. That there
was a problem, particularly with the 19th century vaults under
the courtyard, has been obvious for many years. What to do in
response has been a great deal more difficult to work out. In
1999 the parish began the process which included the appointment
of a conservation architect to help us understand, and to find
a response to, the problems of our buildings. In particular, it
became apparent that an adequate project would involve significant
intervention into the historic fabric. We began to develop a scheme,
but were very hesitant about testing our ideas in public. As we
began to do so it became clear that there would be considerable
opposition to the ideas that we were beginning to generate.
2. In June 2001 this early scheme was taken
to CABE for a design review. This meeting was professional, clear
and, in a critical way, constructive. What we established was
the need to do something. It was also recognised that this work
could not be left with a conservation architect per se, but needed
the input of an architect more used to contemporary interventions
into historic fabric. The consequence of this meeting was that
CABE appointed an "enabling architect" to work with
us and help us create a project within a recognisable framework,
with the support of all the external stakeholders for a building
as public and significant as this. CABE was instrumental in our
establishing strong relationships with Westminster City Council,
English Heritage and The Georgian Group. In addition we ourselves
had already identified the Diocesan Advisory Committee and The
Princes Foundation as significant partners.
3. With the help of the enabling architect
we agreed a planning brief with the external stakeholders in response
to the need that had been identified here. CABE then assisted
us by enabling an architectural competition which resulted in
the selection of Eric Parry Architects. Again their input into
this enabling process was utterly professional, based on stated
criteria, and resulted in a choice of architect who is widely
perceived to have delivered an excellent project.
4. At that point, CABE's direct involvement
ceased. However they have retained a supportive relationship with
us and have been constructive "senior friends" of the
project.
5. In July of that year the English Heritage
Commissioners visited St Martin's as one of the projects that
they consider an example of excellence, both in terms of the process
through which the scheme has emerged, and because of the quality
of the proposed architectural solution. There is no doubt in my
mind that CABE's involvement at a critical stage for us was a
turning point in our ability to bring this project to birth. I
cannot speak highly enough of the quality of what they have done
for us. Our experience is that they have been rigorous, professional,
transparent and consistent. When this scheme is complete in 2007
they will deserve considerable credit for all that they did in
the early stages.
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