By John Baron
Plans for a new ramped access to Christ Church Upper Armley have been submitted to Leeds City Council.
Proposals include demolishing the existing linear and substandard ramp to the west of the and replacing it with a new ramp to the east of the porch, to comply with current regulations and recommendations for level access.
It’s hoped the proposals will be sympathetic with the historic Grade II Listed building and the surrounding sonservation area.
A design statement accompanying the application states: “The new location presents a more discreet positioning and compact solution, hidden from the more prominent view of the church, while integrating better with the existing fabric and stepped access to the Porch.
“The proposals are part of a wider accessibility drive at the church, to improve the building’s access credentials. Most of the improvements are internal, including widening, or improving doors, refurbishment of accessible w/c facilities and addressing the level differences between certain spaces. The replacement of the external ramp and providing level access to the vestry door are part of this project, for which planning permission is required.”
It is also proposed to re-grade the ground and footpath to the South of the vestry/office to create a level entry/exit point to the existing door.
A number of community activities and projects also use the church.
The plans can be viewed in full here.
Church history
Christ Church was designed by Adams & Kelly and built between 1869 and 1872 in the Early English Gothic Revival style.
The foundation stone was laid on 1 October 1869 by Mrs W E Gott of Armley House, and the church was consecrated on 19 January 1872. The choir vestry was added in 1913.
Its tower stands 117 feet tall and houses a peal of eight bells. The clock was installed by Potts in 1881.
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