Looking at Buildings

The Baptists previous Broadmead chapel on this site was founded in the late 17th century, and survived the heavy World War II bombing of this area. In the mid-1960s the Broadmead redevelopment was almost complete. Seizing their chance, they sold the lease of the ground for shops and built a new chapel above, designed by Bournemouth architect Ronald Sims and opened 1969. A thoughtful design; exterior with large glazed panels at first floor, and sculptural cantedGlossary Term [2] rooflines. Staircase approach leading to hall and meeting rooms, large chapel seating 720. Sprayed concreteGlossary Term [3] wall surfaces, cantilevered N and W galleries, and battened curved panels as backdrops to the baptisteryGlossary Term [4] and altar. Four 19th century stained glass panels from the old chapel hang against the fully glazed west wall. Timber-clad ceiling, ridged and cantedGlossary Term [5] with four full-width lights running east-west. The ministry includes a chaplaincy to Broadmead shopping centre.