Architecture Update: Church changes

THE architect Quinlan Terry has drawn up plans which, if agreed, will double the capacity of the Grade 1-listed church of St Helen's Bishopsgate. The Consistory Court of the Diocese of London begins its hearing on the scheme this week. Mr Terry's plans involve 23 alterations, including removal of a Victorian stone altar, and installing a new 'classical' gallery. English Heritage, the City Corporation and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings oppose the scheme. The church, damaged in the 1992 Bishopsgate bombing, says the alterations are needed because many services are packed.