Phase I
The enormous timbers supporting the roof since 1812, when the Church was built, had suffered decay at their ends causing major cracks to appear in the structure in 1996 and closure of the building as unsafe for public use in that year. The St Paul's congregation relocated to other churches of Christ Church, Holy Trinity and St Matthews within the Anglican parish of Christ the King. A Project Team formed and, after some time considering the needs of the area, identified a plan for re-ordering the building as a Community Centre retaining a Christian ethos. The Downland Housing Association Group was selected as a partner for replacing of the 1960's Hall with flats for people with learning difficulties. Planning permission was sought and eventually obtained at an Appeal stage.
The old roof was removed, roof support timbers braced with special steel plates and a new roof replaced. This work was under the control of Architect Chris Richardson of drp Architects, Brighton and the Cheesmur building firm. The cost of £400,000 was raised from generous donations, legacies, local fundraising events and some money from a St Paul's Fabric fund.
The Church was formally declared redundant and responsibility for the building handed over by Chichester Diocese to the St Paul's Community Centre, a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.
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