Having restored a chapel linked to Lewis Carroll last year, the practice has now begun work at Brook Street Chapel in Knutsford in Cheshire, the burial site of 'Cranford' author Elizabeth Gaskell.
Appointed as lead consultant, contract administrator and quantity surveyor for improvements, Purcell Miller Tritton will be making major alterations in the chapel grounds. The much-needed work will coincide with the bicentenary of Elizabeth Gaskell's birth. The English novelist was famed for a biography of her friend Charlotte Bronte and was the celebrated author of 'Cranford'. The novel was recently adapted for television for the third time.
Located on a steep incline and currently accessible only via steps, the unitarian chapel dates back to 1689 and attracts large numbers of visitors every year. The new scheme will include changes to the adjacent School House to create level access to the Chapel for the first time.
A mezzanine floor and platform lift will be installed into the existing committee room of the School House and a covered bridge extension will also be added to avoid needing steps up to the Chapel. An exhibition room will be provided on the mezzanine floor where there will be displays of memorabilia.
Landscaping enhancements will include a path linking the Chapel and School House and ledger stones will be levelled to improve access to Gaskell's grave.
Mark Goldspink, CEO of the practice, said, "We are delighted to be involved in a project of such importance. Elizabeth Gaskell is widely celebrated in the area, and the Brook Street Chapel even features in her famous book 'Ruth'. It is fantastic that our improvements will make this site more accessible to the public."
Events to commemorate the bicentenary of the novelist's birth will be going on in the town throughout the year. The Flower Festival is expected to be a highlight and will take place following completion of the project in May.