CLIENT: Temple Church
LOCATION: London
ROLE: Quantity Surveyor
ENGAGEMENT DURATION: Ongoing
STATUS: Due to Complete 2026
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Temple Church, a site of exceptional global significance, is undergoing a programme of restoration and accessibility enhancements shaped around three core components: the conservation of the historic West Door, the creation of an inclusive access route, and the development of a new Song School with improved supporting facilities.
The West Door, once the original ceremonial entrance to the church and symbolic gateway to the Holy Sepulchre in London, had suffered extensive degradation despite multiple restoration attempts since 1840. We led the selection and management of specialist architects, stone conservators and carvers, coordinating key discussions with ecclesiastical and statutory stakeholders to agree the appropriate restoration approach. Works are now underway and progressing towards completion in 2026.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Creative Regeneration
Access around the church had become increasingly challenging due to centuries of level changes and constraints in the surrounding churchyard. We oversaw the design process to ensure a compliant, accessible route could be delivered, sensitively navigating historic infrastructure, mature trees and significant burial sites.
The existing Song School offered limited functionality, restricting choir rehearsal activities within the main body of the church. Following a collaborative design workshop with all stakeholders, a preferred approach was established to create a new Song School while reconfiguring the vestry to enhance usability. The scheme introduces flexible spaces for music practice, upgraded kitchen and WC facilities, and improved storage, changing and office areas. Funding is currently being sought, with works planned to begin in 2026.
KEY FEATURES
Better by Design
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Conservation of the historic West Door, including severely degraded decorative stonework.
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Delivery of a new inclusive access route accommodating trees, historic structures and burial sites.
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Enhanced accessibility to the church and its surroundings.
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Development of a new Song School to support choir practice, with improvements to the vestry.
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Upgrades to kitchen, WC, office, storage and changing facilities for improved functionality.
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Extensive engagement with ecclesiastical, heritage and statutory bodies to agree methodology.
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Programme scheduled for full completion in 2026.
Added Value
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The global historic significance of Temple Church required complex stakeholder coordination and sensitive negotiation.
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IKS led the management of stakeholder identification, communication, interests and approvals, ensuring a smooth pathway to permissions and project progress.
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The procurement of specialist stone carvers and conservators presented unique challenges; IKS developed a bespoke process to secure the right conservation team.
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A structured, collaboratively agreed methodology ensured the successful appointment and mobilisation of the team delivering the West Door restoration.