The medieval church of St.Margaret’s, Walmgate has been reordered as the National Centre for Early Music. A new single storey extension provides accommodation for the foyer, office and artists’ green room, allowing the full space within the former church to be used for performance, recordings and exhibiitions.

Livingston Eyre Associates was involved from the start of the project, in the careful siting of the extension beneath existing trees alongside the churchyard wall, and upgrading the churchyard. The existing Yorkstone footpath was relaid and extended to the foyer entrance in matching stone, and the churchyard has been planted and sown as a meadow with mown paths and clearings in which sculptures by local artists can be exhibited and educational musical events held. A peaceful garden for the artists adjoins the green room.

The project was funded with a National Lottery Arts Coucil Grant with matching funding from a number of charitable and public sources.