St Mary and St Ethelburga Church, a cherished Catholic establishment in Barking, has recently completed a transformative project to enhance its visual appeal and security measures.
For more than a century and a half, this parish, home to two churches, has remained a steadfast pillar of faith and community within Barking and Ilford.
Evolving needs of its congregation
In 1869, the original church, an architectural marvel designed by E.W. Pugin, graced the landscape with its iconic wooden spired bellcote. In 1979, to meet the evolving needs of its congregation, the old church gracefully gave way to a modern brick structure featuring varied window openings, low-pitched rooves, and artificial slate.
Old church gracefully gave way to a modern brick form featuring varied window openingsA homage to its roots, a large round window containing glass from the original Pugin church now adorns one wall of the new structure. Notably, 2002 saw the approval of an application to erect a freestanding bell frame, an architectural gem that has since become a local landmark, standing tall and proud.
Forward-thinking design: The New Presbytery
In 2018, a new chapter began with the granting of planning permission for a state-of-the-art Presbytery on the premises, meticulously designed by LAP Architects & Interior Designers.
With a focus on creating a simple, energy-efficient building tailored to the parish's future needs, the Presbytery stands as a testament to forward-thinking design.
The Barbican Imperial Solution
Addition of the new residential building, a more robust perimeter indicator became vital
At first, there was no demarcation fencing around the front of the site, making it easy for individuals to pass through the church and car park area. Implementing measures to deter casual passersby from entering is a standard recommendation by local law enforcement's Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs). This approach has been shown to effectively curtail impromptu criminal activities, such as theft of items left on the grounds, vandalism, and unsightly graffiti.
With the addition of the new residential building, a more robust perimeter indicator became necessary. To enhance both security and esthetics of the frontage, and to complement the new Presbytery structure, the installation of demarcation fencing and gates was deemed essential.
Barbican Imperial fencing
Recognizing the importance of safeguarding the premises and creating an inviting atmosphere, St Mary and St Ethelburga Church opted for Jacksons Fencing’s Barbican Imperial fencing, with a double leaf and single leaf gate for access, was chosen for an elegant demarcation solution.
The fence, with its classic appearance that mimics wrought iron railings, combined with modern construction, not only exudes timeless charm but also offers enhanced security and durability.
Theft-proofing for peace of mind
The galvanized and powder-coated black finish not only adds a touch of tradition but also ensures longevity
In a bid to thwart theft, a common concern for churches (particularly scrap metal pilfering), the vertical bar railings boast a welded pale-through-rail construction with concealed bolts and tamper-proof panel-to-post connectors, making theft a near-impossibility. The galvanized and powder-coated black finish not only adds a touch of tradition but also ensures longevity, promising years of unblemished esthetics. Backed by a 25-year guarantee, this sustainable solution serves as a testament to the church's commitment to prudent investments.
The 1.2-meter-high black railings strike a harmonious balance, providing a welcoming environment while preserving an open atmosphere. This design choice also allows the picturesque bell tower to be admired from the road, safeguarded from unintended contact. Furthermore, the strategically placed gates can be secured, preventing any unauthorized access to the church's premises.
Author's quote
Commenting on the successful project, Peter Jackson, Managing Director at Jacksons Fencing, expressed, “Unfortunately, places of worship across the UK grapple with a broad spectrum of crimes on a daily basis. As a result, our commitment to providing robust security solutions for these sites remains a primary focus. In our places of worship report, we discovered that the perception of visitors as they approach and enter a place of worship was critical. While the design of on-site security measures should effectively deter trespassers and prevent crimes, it should also create a welcoming atmosphere and instill a sense of safety."
"Striking a delicate balance between effective security and esthetics is paramount. In this instance, the installation of our Barbican Imperial fencing not only elevates the church's security but also provide a timeless elegance upon its surroundings. It has been an honor to contribute to the preservation of this esteemed historic institution.”
