John Wesley’s New Room in Bristol has been an active part of local, national, and international religious and social culture since its inception in 1739 at the birth of methodism. Purcell acted as Architect & Lead Consultant on the design and delivery of a new extension within the existing courtyard for an education suite, an administration hub and an enlarged library and archive facility, as well as improved visitor experience and ancillary facilities such as public cafe. The site was a relatively small inner-city urban courtyard defi ned on three sides by buildings in separate ownership and with Rights of Light issues. The fourth side is formed by the Grade I listed New Room. The courtyard contained a Grade II listed statue, standing and below ground archaeology, trees, and existing lean-to structures. Purcell skilfully resolved these technical challenges within our high-quality design solution, attaining planning and listed building consents.The design solution maintains and enhances an existing axial route leading from a busy shopping street to the tranquillity of the New Room. Visitors experience a sequence of distinct external and internal spaces culminating in a double height glazed courtyard immediately adjacent to the existing building. From here visitors can climb a discreet stair to the fi rst fl oor Library & Archive facility, and the new Education Suite on the second fl oor. A new glazed bridge will span between new and old, allowing full inclusive access to the refurbished & represented museum. The project was delivered on time within 18 months, and to the budget of £4.6m, including substantial Heritage Lottery Funding. The project completed in early 2018 and has won several design awards, including RICS awards and regional tourism awards.