A project to provide a new church for the congregation of Westhill Episcopal Church is nearing completion.
The project comprises the construction of a new building – being built in Westhill, west of Aberdeen – which spans the height of a two-storey structure and includes an auditorium capable of seating 370 people. A two-storey building, situated behind the auditorium, is also being constructed and will house offices, six meeting rooms, wash room facilities and a crèche.
The new church has been designed to cater for the current number of members of Westhill Episcopal Church as well as an expected rise in members as it moves into the future. The meeting rooms at the church will range in size, providing space for between 12 and 70 people, meaning that the building can also be hired out to community groups and local businesses.
The two buildings are separated by a one-storey foyer, which is entered from the east side. A cafeteria and kitchen is also being incorporated within the church and will be open to the public five days of the week once the building is up and running.
To round-out the project a 197-car park is being built, and joins some associated landscaping works to tie the building back into its surroundings.
Speaking to Premier Construction, Building Team Leader for Westhill Episcopal Church, Mervyn Currie, said:
“The church started approximately 30 years ago, with very small beginnings and up until now we have met in rented accommodation. Over the years we have grown to 200 members on a typical Sunday service, so for a while we have had it in mind to meet in our own building, which would give us access seven days a week. This is a completely brand new building, being constructed on a greenfield site.”
Construction began on the new build project in January 2013, with Kier Construction (Scotland) Ltd as the main contractor. Glasgow-based practice, McLean Architects is providing all architectural services on the project.
At present the congregation of Westhill Episcopal Church meet in a Church of Scotland church, which is currently the only church in the town of Westhill. Once work is complete on the project in early 2014, the Westhill Episcopal Church congregation will migrate into the new structure.
Discussing the importance of the project Mervyn said:
“This project has been our vision for the last 12 years and is something which we have been raising funds for during this time. It is very important to us and will allow us to be more effective in our church ministries. Everyone is very positive about this new building, whether they are church goers or not.”
d3 Audio & Visual Ltd
d3 Audio & Visual Ltd specialise in the consultation, design and supply of professional audio and audio-visual solutions for the construction industry. The company has been in operation since 2005 and design and integrate systems into a range of markets, specifically the church and hospitality sectors.
d3 Audio & Visual Ltd has worked on many prestigious projects included the F1 Auditorium in Silverstone; Gorbals Parish Church; work for Historic Scotland; and a number of schemes for Manchester United. d3 Audio & Visual Ltd also completed one of their smallest installations to date on the Isle of Eday, demonstrating their ability to tackle work regardless of the project’s size.
Working on Westhill Episcopal Church project, d3 Audio & Visual Ltd was responsible for the consultation, design and delivery of all the professional audio and audio-visual solutions on the site.
d3 Audio & Visual Ltd Managing Director, Marc Heath, said:
“Work like this is a core passion of d3 Audio & Visual Ltd. All directors understand the dynamics that are required to deliver communication equipment to churches and how important churches are for facilitating the local community.”
Marc added:
“At d3 Audio & Visual Ltd we pride ourselves on honesty, excellence and integrity.”
