Last Thursday, the Diocese of London hosted a seminar for parishes across the diocese aimed at both the upkeep and development of church buildings for mission. The seminar was held in St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, and was attended by approximately 50 delegates with a number of notable speakers.

Project management is essential in the running of church building schemes. Every building project, regardless of scale, requires skilled management. The Diocese of London is leading initiatives to encourage good practice in ensuring the successful development of church assets.

Following on from the successful project management seminar held at St George’s, Bloomsbury in 2006, it was proposed that another half-day seminar be held to raise awareness on the subject. The Church of England owns approximately 45% of the Grade I listed buildings in the United Kingdom and the Diocese of London alone contributes almost 350 church buildings to the national list of buildings of special architectural and historic interest. Parishes considering undertaking significant building projects were specially invited to attend the event.

St Martin-in-the-Fields took part in its own complex and impressive £36 million building project and re-opened in April 2008 after completion. Hugh Player, CEO of St Martin-in-the-Fields, gave a presentation to the attendees explaining first-hand the experiences gained throughout the building management period.

The Revd Nick Holtam, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and The Ven Rachel Treweek, Archdeacon of Northolt, welcomed the guests and gave the opening prayer and introduction. Other speakers included Antony Nutt, Partner at Gardiner & Theobald and Eleanor Kilbride, Construction Solicitor at Winckworth Sherwood.

The seminar covered various angles of the project management process including fundraising with Patricia Castanha, Campaign Director at St Martin-in-the-Fields and an overview from Michael Bye, Director of Property at the Diocese of London, on the importance keeping a mission based focus to such work. A question and answer discussion with the panel closed the seminar which was followed by a tour of the recent works that have taken place in St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Michael Bye, Director of Property at the Diocese said:

“The Diocese of London is continuously offering support to each parish across the diocese and this building project training seminar is a perfect example of one of these initiatives. It is pertinent for each of us to take responsibility for the proper upkeep and development of the various buildings under our care within the capital to further the Mission of the Church.”

Email: jayne.h@watersidecomms.com