PROJECT WIN | Knowles wins Phase 2 Works at St Marks Coptic Church

We’re pleased to announce that Knowles has been appointed to deliver Phase 2 works at St Marks Coptic Church in Kensington.

Following the successful delivery of Phase 1 works by Knowles, which included the complex basement excavation beneath the church floors whilst maintaining operational during the full duration of works, the professional team and community alike agreed for Knowles to complete the project. Phase 2 includes the specialist and sympathetic refurbishment of the main church, extensive roof repairs and delivery of a high-specification fit-out of the new basement structure, of which is to be turned into a community hub and education center.  

Works are anticipated to take 36 weeks, and will be delivered with the same care, attention to detail, and appreciation for the active church and congregation, of which will remain operational during the works.

Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church is a church in Kensington, London, located at the south-west corner of the intersection of Allen Street and Scarsdale Villas. Previously known as Saint John’s Presbyterian Church at the time of its opening in 1863, the church is now dedicated to its founder of the Church of Alexandria, Mark the Evangelist. Saint Mark’s was the first Coptic Orthodox church in Europe and was the seed church of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Britain and Ireland.

The exterior of the church has remained almost unchanged since its construction in 1862-1863 in the Victorian Gothic style. However, the interior has changed significantly since then, most significantly in the 20th century with its conversion to a Coptic Orthodox church. As part of the conversion, it was the first church outside Egypt to display Neo-Coptic iconography, featuring two stained glass windows, and a cycle of narrative icons, including a very large icon depicting the martyrdom of Saint Mark.

Client: The Trustees of St Marks Coptic Church

Architect: Nasrt Abdelsaid

To read more about our delivery of phase 1 works at St Marks, please read here.