First phase of Christ Church Woking redevelopment moves forward

Christ Church Woking’s redevelopment has advanced after planning amendments allowed the project to be delivered in stages.

The Grade II-listed church in Woking town centre originally received full planning permission in 2020 for a wider renovation and expansion programme. Since then, Lichfields has worked with the church, the consultant team and Woking Borough Council to revise the consent so the first phase can begin while preserving the longer-term vision.

The initial phase will concentrate on extending the Youth and Community Centre and carrying out refurbishment and reordering works within the existing church building. These improvements are intended to strengthen the church’s role as a place for young people, families, churchgoers and local community groups, while making the building more flexible and useful for a broader range of activities.

The amended plans also change the centre’s external appearance. A previously approved terracotta façade has been replaced with red brick, a material chosen to better reflect and complement the character of the historic church. The updated design retains the approved footprint and form of the extension, while drawing on the existing building’s brickwork, texture and detailing around windows and doors.

Nick Kirby of Lichfields said the team had helped the church adjust its plans so the first phase could proceed without compromising the wider scheme or the building’s setting. Vicar the Rev Adrian Beavis welcomed the milestone, saying the project would improve facilities, support more community activity and better serve the needs of the church and Woking community for years to come.