Hull Minster Development Trust and PCC set about designing a bold transformational plan for the Holy Trinity Grade I listed Medieval Church, sited in Hull’s historic Old Town.
The ‘Amazing Transformation’ project objectives were to reengage with the City, extend the Minsters reach to the local community and visitors and to reinstate its position as the heart of the Old Town. The vision would see the reorder of the church to create an outstanding, flexible space, comfortable with high quality facilities to be used for performances, exhibitions, banquets and the like.
The Trust also wanted to create a more flexible place for worship, a community hub and to present the buildings rich heritage whilst preserving its fabric to ensuring its long term sustainability.
Engaging with Alan Wood & Partners back in 2013 to provide project management, the team began its near decade long journey of restoration, preservation, enhancement and redevelopment works. During this time AWP’s remit also expanded to
include principal designer, geotechnical investigation and reporting, temporary works and civil and structural design.
Part funded by Highways England’s Designated Fund for Environment & Cultural Heritage, other key trusts and fund holders and significant private donations, the work was carried out in phases:
Summary of phase 1 - public realm (2016)
- Removal of Victorian wall
- Archaeological excavations and investigations
- Exhumation of over 800 graves
- Installation of new paving, fountains and street furniture to create a welcoming open space as part of the 2016/7 city wide public realm works
Summary of phase 2 - nave (2017)
- Removal of the fixed pews within the nave
- Installation of underfloor heating
- Acoustic improvements
- Relocation of the font (used in the baptism of William Wilberforce)
Summary of phase 3 – Extension (2021)
- Fabric repairs to the existing building including roof, windows and stonework
- A sympathetically designed beautiful extension to house the Trinity Room – a new café and function facility.
Artifacts and Finds
The Minster, built c1285, has some nationally important architecture and a rich historical presence, having endured some turbulent historical events since its erection. During the work many artifacts were found including pottery dating back c1500 and an undamaged canon ball, believed to be from the Siege of Hull, 1642.
Challenges
One of the main challenges of the project was ensuring all correct permissions were gained. With so many interested parties, consultees to liaise with and opinions to consider, good stakeholder management and clear communication was imperative from the AWP Project Management Team, fully detailing the scope and impacts all parties were informed at all times, and ultimately approvals granted to allow delivery.
Mark Coates, Director, commented “The project has been a huge success, a labour of love and a joy to work with a committed client, consultants and contracting teams. This is a project we are very proud to have been a part of and a career highlight for me. It’s wonderful to see such a beautiful and important building evolve for current and future generations whilst retaining its heritage, dignity and splendor.”
