REDUNDANT CHURCHES

The report from the Brighton & Hove Deaneries' Pastoral Strategy Review Group, published on 21 June 2003, made dramatic recommendations. A number of churches are under threat and the parishes affected are required to respond by November.

The architectural significance of individual churches was not a primary consideration of this Review Group: but it will be to us. In particular, we shall watch the proposals affecting the former civic churches of St. Peter's (Brighton) and All Saints (Hove). St Peter's is of historic significance and a major landmark, although not of first rate architectural merit by the exceptional standard of Brighton's churches. All Saints has an impressive interior. Listed as Grade II* and Grade I respectively, both require very extensive - and expensive - repair. The report includes alternative proposals for both buildings as they may cease to be required as parish churches. It will take much imagination and 'lateral thinking' to find suitable new uses which will maintain the architectural space and detail of their interiors. Any new uses must be capable of raising sufficient funds for their repair, from the outset. The possible need for 'enabling developments' to provide these sums would present tremendous challenges.
In recent years, St. Patrick's Hove, whilst still holding services, was

developed to become, in part, an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre and night refuge. It is now proposed that all services should cease and that its parish be divided between St. John's (Palmeira Square) and St Michael and All Angels.

The Review Group’s report merely describes the problems for the churches at risk, and sets out the direction of some solutions. The challenge to avoid wholesale demolition, amputation or unsatisfactory adaptation and conversion of the church buildings is huge. - or visit the Diocese of Chichester website here (use the search box for "Brighton & Hove Review Group)

April 5 2005
More details are now available from the Diocese website, including a pdf of the full report

June 10 2005
David Beevers of the Regency Society has produced an interim report for the Society
"The first report of the Strategy Group was widely perceived to be inadequate in that it took little or no regard for the architectural importance or beauty of the churches concerned…"

Download the report Part 1 here (28.26 K)

Download the report Part 2 here (72.37 K)

MAY 2007
It has been reported that Scott Ralph, a building surveyor expert formerly with Brighton Council, has been appointed, with part funding by English Heritage, to advise the Diocese.
OCTOBER 7 2007
It is reported in The Argus that St Peter's Church has been recommended for closure by the PPC.

360º INTERIOR PANORAMA HERE