Rooff are delighted to have commenced restoration works on the Grade II* listed St John at Hackney Church, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The work includes the reconfiguration of the church to its original Greek Cross plan, reconnecting the church with its original architectural language, and providing more space for a range of activities, including church services and use as a music venue. New features will include the creation of two new chapels in the north and south wings, a raised stage and a range of new facilities. The project hopes to create a cathedral of creativity, bringing hope to the heart of Hackney for many decades to come.
Mark Horn, Managing Director of Rooff, said “We congratulate the team at St John at Hackney and their designers in the progress they have made in getting this ambitious scheme to the construction phase. We are delighted to be working on the project and look forward to handing back a church that will prosper and be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.”
The design team includes internationally renowned designer John Pawson, whose work includes the recently opened Design Museum in West London and the Abbey of Nový Dvůr in Bohemia; and is led by RIBA Award-winning ecclesiastical and conservation architects Thomas Ford & Partners, whose recent work includes projects at Sheffield, Wakefield, Guildford and Rochester cathedrals. Winner of the 2017 London Design Medal, Es Devlin OBE is also part of the team. She is best known for her collaborations with Beyoncé and Kayne West and also designed the closing ceremony of the London Olympics.
Revd Al Gordon, Rector of Hackney commented: “The beginning of our main works marks a major milestone in the restoration of St John at Hackney. Over the next year, we will see our church transformed to become a cathedral of creativity, and we have assembled an amazing team to make this happen. We want to make this a place that brings life to the community here long into the future, with all welcome to walk through our doors – our vision is simple: to bring hope to the heart of Hackney.”
Images: John Pawson Ltd