Consultant Gardiner & Theobald has been chosen to oversee the 拢34m redevelopment of St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London.
The firm's management services arm beat off bids from Rowney Sharman and Bovis Lend Lease to win the scheme. G&T is also QS and planning supervisor on the job.

The Eric Parry-designed scheme, which will restore and extend the church into Trafalgar Square, was submitted for planning to Westminster council in June. It will open up the crypt and create a lower-ground-floor entrance pavilion and foyer.

The project consists of three main elements: the excavation of the vaults beneath the church to about 15 ft to open up the crypt space; refurbishment of the church; and the extension of the church to the north.

The church is due to decide on a procurement method for the complex job in May or June of next year. The scheme will be complete by 2007.

Originally designed by James Gibbs in 1721, the church houses a cafe and social centre and hosts concerts. The revamp received backing from London mayor Ken Livingstone last month. He said it would further enhance the newly pedestrianised Trafalgar Square.

The team includes conservation architect Caroe & Partners, structural engineer Alan Baxter & Associates, development advisers Malcolm Reading & Associates and M&E engineer Max Fordham.