Housing

Littlemore Baptist Church, Oxford

calfordseaden were commissioned by English Churches Housing Group (now part of the Riverside Group), to provide employers agent services for a new mixed use development on the site of an existing semi-derelict Baptist Church. 

The finalised scheme comprised eight single bedroom flats for independent living, along with a community hall and associated facilities for the local village community, which is being managed by the Baptist Union.

This challenging scheme, involved an archaeological excavation of the existing cemetery, following careful demolition of the present chapel.  A total of 31 graves, dating back to the latter half of the 19^th century, were uncovered and assessed in terms of potential archaeological interest. 

Further difficulties encountered on the scheme included the agreement of Party Wall Awards, Easements, Land Transfers and negotiations with the Land Registrar.

Finally, works commenced in June 2009 and were completed ahead of programme and within budget in March of this year, using a timber frame form of construction. 

The first service in the new community hall was held on the 28^th March 2010 with a delighted congregation and members of the project team in attendance.

calfordseaden were also appointed as Architects for the scheme in order to obtain Planning Permission along with acting as CDM co-ordinator, party wall surveyors and HQI assessors. 

Additionally, we were commissioned by the Minister to act as contract administrator and CDM co-ordinator in connection with the refurbishment of the old stone cottage that sits to the front of the chapel site. 

Client: English Churches Housing Group

Contract Period: 9 months

Value: £1 million

Services: Employers agent, architect, CDM co-ordinator, party wall surveyor, HQI assessor and contract administrator