When James Sanderson joined the practice in 2006, having formerly been a partner with Francis Roberts Architects in Preston, he brought a wealth of unique experience of repairing, conserving and developing ecclesiastical buildings.
As the managing partner responsible for the Liverpool office, he runs an enthusiastic team working on a major project which will breathe new life into the centre of Blackburn. In his capacity as Architect for Blackburn Anglican Cathedral, James is currently responsible for delivering a Master Plan for a new £25m project to develop and extend the Cathedral Precinct. Designed to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the city centre, the ambitious scheme will comprise 96 apartments, diocese offices, a Cathedral library and Refectory, underground car parking, gardens and two public squares. ‘Stitched into the grain of the city, the new development will complement the Cathedral with sensitively designed new buildings. These in turn will bring valuable new income streams to help with its upkeep,’ James explains.
Sustaining a project of this size and complexity has called for remarkable stamina, management, flair and a singular vision. Using his considerable negotiation skills, James has successfully steered his Master Plan through many committee stages within the Cathedral itself, before winning over the local authority and key statutory bodies. His work at Blackburn and elsewhere has enabled him to forge close working relationships with English Heritage, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE.), English Partnerships and the North West Development Agency.
James’s deep-rooted understanding of the specific challenges of ecclesiastical structures and their context is complemented by his expertise in the design and construction of new buildings within an historic environment.
‘I get my greatest buzz from designing modern buildings that make good use of traditional materials to ensure that they fit well into sensitive locations’.