Member Article

DSP (Interiors) Ltd Appointed to Design New Home for Derby Central United Reformed Church

Award-winning Derby-based design, refurbishment and fit-out specialist DSP (Interiors) Ltd has been appointed principal designer and contractor on the project to create a new home for Central United Reformed Church.

The company, which is based on the Parker Industrial Estate on Mansfield Road, has started work on the project to convert former offices at Stuart House on Green Lane in Derby into a new multi-purpose facility for Central URC.

The Church is leaving its existing home in Victoria House on the corner of Becketwell Lane and Victoria Street to make way for the new £200m Becketwell Regeneration scheme.

Planning permission was granted in Autumn 2019 to change part of Stuart House from office use to a place of worship.

The team at DSP has been working closely with members of Central United Reformed Church to design a modern new internal layout, which will be better suited to the Church’s community-focused activities and provide improved accessibility for the disabled.

Additional measures have also been taken by DSP to source durable materials and sustainable energy efficient equipment wherever possible.

Plans for the ground floor include entrance lobby and reception office along with a sanctuary, which will feature a concrete ceiling to enhance acoustics and showcase contemporary exposed services.

The sanctuary will also feature a bespoke ‘ichthys’ Fish lighting raft, backlit windows and a cross onto an oak timber-slatted wall, complemented by a cushioned acoustic grey oak effect vinyl flooring and aisle carpet.

The first floor will include a multi-functional hall with children’s soft play area and meeting rooms.

Work is currently underway to strip out the ground and first floor ceilings, partitions, carpets, toilets, electrical and mechanical services and to remove previous flood damage. Central United Reformed Church plays a valuable role in the local community. As well as regular worship at the Church, it is home to parents’ and children’s groups, including Guides and Boys Brigade and sessions for fitness and the bereaved. It is also the night-time base for Derby Street Pastors and Central Musical Theatre Society.

Commenting on the project, Andy Priestley, director of DSP Interiors said:

“It’s a pleasure to be working with Central United Reformed Church on this unique project. We have succeeded in designing a space which will serve as a place of worship and will also provide multiple uses for the community.

“Work has already started on clearing the existing interior ready for the fit-out. We hope the Church will continue to prosper in its new home for many more years to come.”

John Brebner, regeneration project leader at Central United Reformed Church, said:

“It is really important that our new facility is fully accessible in order to meet the needs of the diverse range of people who use the Church’s facilities.

“DSP have done a fantastic job in incorporating this into the new design, especially the multi-purpose hall and meeting rooms. We’re confident our new facility will meet the needs of our congregation and the very important community services it offers.”

Church minister Reverend Judith Tatton-Schiff added:

“We are very impressed with the plans that DSP has designed for us. I’m looking forward to serving the people of the city centre from our new home, alongside the wonderful members of Central URC.”

Derby’s Central United Reformed Church is set to open to the public in May 2020.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Donna Hill .