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BTP Architects designs new Meeting House for Stockport Quakers

Local award winning architects BTP, along with the Religious Society of Friends, unveiled the new Quaker Meeting House in Stockport to the public last weekend.

The new building has been designed by BTP to provide a modern and sustainable centre to the Quakers and local community groups and was built by Armitage Construction Ltd, a project that took 10 months from start to completion.

Located in Longshut Lane area of Stockport, the previous meeting house was a considerably old, prefabricated structure that was hidden from the road, inaccessible, damp and drafty and in urgent need of renovation.   A decision was therefore made to demolish the building. In Feb 2012 BTP had their first meeting with the Quakers to discuss the possibility of constructing a purpose built meeting house on the same site fit for the modern day needs of the organisation.  Two years later following design meetings and fund raising by the Quakers construction began.

BTP’s design objective was to create a building that was a focal point for the area, ensuring it was clearly visible from the road and incorporating the Quaker’s vision of a meeting house, which is primarily a welcoming place of worship, but which is also available for a wide variety of community groups to hire.

The new centre comprises two meeting rooms and a kitchen as well as a Friends’ room with a library.  It has been designed by BTP to be sustainable and 'carbon neutral', both in the design and materials used and as such has achieved an ‘A’ rating in energy efficiency.  Visitors to the meeting house can now enjoy improved landscaping and parking facilities.

Vicky Saunders, Director of BTP Architects said, “Following on from other successful projects, we were delighted to be asked again to design another Quaker Meeting House.  From the outset we wanted to create a space that fitted into the local surroundings, creating a building that echoed the Quaker’s vision.  I am delighted with the outcome and hope the local community will embrace the space we have created and enjoy the new facilities for many years to come.”

Gill Armitage, Clerk of Trustees of East Cheshire said, “We have worked hand in hand with BTP Architects from the initial ideal right through to the final construction until we opened the doors to our new Stockport Meeting House.  They understood our vision from the very first discussion, keeping us fully informed throughout the construction.  We are thrilled with our new building and we have already received positive feedback on the new welcoming space that will be a real asset to the people of Stockport and beyond.”

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