|PIC1|The dramatic church features a cross-laminated timber panel system with an undulating zinc roof and a distinctive rectangular tower that changes colour according to the light.
Designed by Hudson Architects, the new building is a significant revamp for The Salvation Army’s mission in Chelmsford, which has been on Baddow Road since 1974.
The community and worship hall was also chosen among 18 finalists to win the Community Architecture Award for projects that demonstrate value and benefit to the community.
The Chairman of RIBA East, Richard Tavener, praised the “very simple, well executed and dramatic” building.
“The clear articulations of the plan and hands-on-clients have created a building that reflects and responds to their mission for worship and community outreach activities,” he said.
The Chelmsford Salvation Army built the new hall with use by the whole community in mind. In addition to its 320-seater worship hall, it also features a reception café, indoor sports hall, outdoor play area, lounge and kitchen.
Enid Watson, the newly appointed Centre Co-ordinator at Chelmsford Salvation Army said: "The building has been the topic of conversation in Chelmsford since its opening.
“However the people who drop in for a coffee out of curiosity are overwhelmed by the interior and the warmth of the fellowship and friendship we aim to offer.
“The investment by The Salvation Army in our building has already proved to be a wonderful asset to our ministry as a people-focused and family-friendly church.
“We have been truly blessed."
-
Edinburgh University ends divinity programmes as theology faces a changing future
-
Why the Archbishop of Canterbury’s award controversy matters
-
More than one in four US Protestant churchgoers believe some biblical truths become outdated
-
Catholicism in France has 'collapsed'
-
Christian leaders issue ‘sober and urgent call’ for Western Church to prepare for disruption
-
Australia's anti-therapy laws harm the most vulnerable - Britain should not copy them
Most Popular
News
Active faith linked to happier marriages and lower divorce rates, study finds
People who regularly attend church are more likely to report happy marriages, according to a new report examining the relationship between faith and family life.
Indian churches fearing anti-conversion laws tell non-Christians: enter at your own risk
Churches in Dhamtari, a town in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, have put up notices warning non-Christians that they enter at their own risk, weeks after a law against religious conversion came into force in the state.
£1k bursaries to help churches develop youth and community mentoring programmes
Churches across the UK are being offered bursaries to help them establish mentoring programmes aimed at supporting young people and others in their communities.
World Evangelical Alliance celebrates 180th anniversary
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has held an online celebration to mark its 180th anniversary. Hundreds of people from more than 22 countries attended, and the event was rebroadcast to accommodate different time zones.
