Following acoustic adaptations to block the noise from the new Bolton Trinity Interchange next door, the congregation can once again, worship and contemplate without interruption in this cavernous Grade II Listed Church.
Designed and built by architect Charles Holt, opening in 1861, St Patrick’s is a Gothic Revival style building situated on the corner of Great Moor Street and Johnson Street, adjacent to another Grade II Listed building – the former Bolton County Grammar School which is now apartments.
It draws a large congregation from the local community, who attend to worship every Sunday. However with plans for a new local transport hub on the opposing corner, the diocese was concerned as to noise impact it would have. The Bolton Trinity Interchange formed part of the Council’s wider regeneration plans to create an Innovation Zone, attracting more professionals to the area to increase the local economy.
Bolton is experiencing an economic renaissance; it is the North West’s fifth largest employment centres, as well as one of the regions main retail destinations; so, has many visitors by rail and bus. Wanting to increase this number, transport infrastructure into and around the city needed to be enhanced.
A consultation was launched in 2010 with plans for the re-siting and construction of Trinity Interchange, nestled between Bolton Train Station and St Patrick’s. Provision of an acoustic wall was made for in the plans, to help protect the Church and neighbouring apartments from the low frequency noise of the buses (70-80dB) while stationary at the Interchange. Unconvinced this would suffice; experts were brought in to provide further advice.
The Historic Church commission proposed an alternative means for which the funding could be spent, by way of acoustic screens fitted to the church windows – originally the plan was to fit them on the outside replacing old ones which had been incorrectly installed some years ago. Architects Greengaugh and Williams were employed to design and procure a suitable solution. However, upon researching options, they deemed that a far more appropriate approach would be the installation of internal secondary glazing. Fenestral, partner of Selectaglaze for over 20 years, were contacted and discussions on suitable treatments began, as well as how to approach the planning committee to submit the suggested change of plans.
The proposed secondary glazing was accepted, and suitable designs were worked up for the gargantuan windows. Reduction of the external noise was high priority but so was ensuring the configurations allowed access to the primary windows for cleaning and maintenance. Each opening was carefully considered to ensure the treatment was discreet and followed the sightlines of the original windows. The 4 clerestory windows were approximately 3m (h) x 1.2m (w) so Series 41 double side hung casements were transom coupled to Series 46 fixed lights. A window at the back of the church near the entrance required S41 side hung casement’s mullion coupled side by side with a transom to couple a Series 46 fixed light above. However, the chancery window at 4.3m (h) x 3m (w) took a bit more thought to ensure that the sightlines were followed. Four different units were used: Series 80 3-pane horizontal slider was transom coupled to three Series 41 mullion coupled curved casements above.
The deep stone reveals, allowed the standard fixing method and the necessary cavity to reduce the noise ingress from the busses outside. However, it was a difficulty installation, with great attention to detail required during the fixing of the timber sub-frames. Scribing on site was needed, to match the splayed jambs and from the spring point to the apex of the arch, the reveal reversed. After the successful implementation of the sub-frames, the secondary glazed units were installed.
When now inside the church, deep in reflection and contemplation, the congregation would never know there is a bus interchange just outside; the acoustic secondary glazing treatment has worked miracles. Not only do they beautifully frame the single pane stained glass windows but provide the much needed noise reduction for generations of worshippers to come.
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