Grimm & Co reveals plans for new emporium of stories home at Former Talbot Lane church

GRIMM & Co has filed new plans for the outside of its new home at the former Talbot Lane church.

The children’s literacy charity has been renovating the 250-year-old building for the past few years.

The ex-church will become Grimm’s new Emporium of Stories, an expanded HQ with bookshop, cafe and writing spaces for children, families and schools.

Planning papers filed by the charity said works on the former church were almost complete but the design of the forecourt’s landscaping needed to be revised.

The documents, sent to RMBC, say: “The proposals to the exterior forecourt align with the applicants’ aspiration to create a welcoming entrance with outdoor seating, which will help to physically engage with the public realm.

“The existing boundary is retained and the steps brought forward to facilitate a re-levelling of the forecourt which will significantly improve inclusive access for all.

“New wrought iron perimeter fencing and gates designed to reflect art nouveau styling are proposed to deter intrusion and possible vandalism.”