Architecture firm completes latest round of involvement for historic Sheffield church

Sheffield architects, Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson (HCD), has recently completed its latest involvement in the history of the former St Vincent’s Church in Sheffield, 164 years after the practice designed the original church building.

The old St Vincent’s Church building lies at the new St Vincent’s Place on Hollis Croft, developed by UNITE Students and now home to 598 students of the University of Sheffield.

HCD was the architectural practice for the St Vincent’s Place scheme and was also the original architects for St Vincent’s Church in Sheffield city centre.

Over more than a century and a half later, HCD has played a significant role in the development of the church building, from the original church design, through upgrades and redecorations from 1854 through to the late 1960s.

John Pedder, of Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, said: “When we were first approached by UNITE Students to consider designs for a new student community at St Vincent’s Place, nobody in the practice appreciated just how involved HCD has been in the history of the site.

“This became clear when we started to review our archives and found many of the original hand drawings for the various stages of works at the church, dating back to 1854.”

An archive drawing of the church from 1854.

St Vincent’s Church has been restored and refurbished by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, as a communal student facility as part of the overall site proposals, where HCD has also designed two new student residential buildings to house 598 students.

The church building now provides communal spaces for students of the University of Sheffield, including study and music rooms, private cinema, games area, dining/kitchen facilities as well as a quiet lounge and presentation/teaching spaces.

UNITE Students has secured a 15-year nominations agreement with the University of Sheffield for the new residential accommodation, which displays a significant long-term commitment to the future and ongoing condition of the church and its new surroundings.

HCD’s involvement began in 1854 when funds were being raised in connection with the Duke of Norfolk for the construction of a permanent church for the local community. St Vincent’s Church was completed in 1856.

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