JPA M&E Consultants has been enlisted to spearhead the MEP design for a significant redevelopment project involving the United Reform Church on Argyle Street in Bath. The structure, currently a Grade II listed building with historical significance extending back to the 18th century, is slated for multi-purpose repurposing. A particular point of interest is that the building serves as an extension of Adam’s Pulteney Bridge into Sir William Pulteney’s Bathwick estate, underlining its historical importance.

The project, which is still within the design phase, aims to fulfill two primary objectives. First, the current chapel space is proposed to be repurposed into a commercial or community activity area, subject to approval through an independent planning application that will accompany the current pre-application submission. Access points for this space are planned from both Argyle Street and a restored Grove Street entrance. Second, the rest of the existing three-story structure will be transformed into eight residential apartments, distributed across the floors. These residential areas will only be accessible through a staircase built in 1955, emphasizing the division between commercial and residential zones within the same building.

Appointed by the client team, JPA is responsible for creating an energy-efficient MEP design and crafting an energy statement for this listed structure. The design strategy incorporates air source heat pumps, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, and low-wattage, energy-efficient lighting to align with sustainability objectives.

Our involvement in this project underscores JPA’s capabilities in energy-efficient solutions and adeptness in managing the nuances of repurposing listed buildings for modern utility. The project complies fully with the Nationally Described Space Standards, ensuring adequate living spaces in the residential apartments. Key terms that encapsulate the scope and include the GLA London Plan, energy efficiency, and MEP Consultant Services.