Building Structural Problem: 1995 – 2000
St Paul’s church was first opened in September 1812 and, until its closure in 1995, was a very well attended church attracting people from all parts of the town. The reason for its closure was due to serious structural problems caused by decay of roof support timbers that rested on north and south walls. Scaffolding was erected inside the building to take and re-distribute the weight of the massive roof so as to prevent movement of walls. Had this not been done, the building could have collapsed.
A project team took on the task of regenerating the site with the vision for St Pauls to become a Community Centre for the town. Plans were prepared for the 1960’s church hall to be replaced with purpose-built flats for people with learning difficulties. The inside of the church would be re-ordered to offer facilities for a Chapel, a café, rooms for groups to hire and a performance events’ seating area with stage. Architect Chris Richardson of drp Architects (Brighton) was appointed. Southdown Housing Association was chosen as partners for constructing and managing the residential flats replacing the church hall. The main building contractor for the scheme was Cheesmur of Lewes, East Sussex.
Planning permission was originally rejected by Worthing Borough Council but approval was given a year later at appeal stage.
Phase I Roof Repairs & Dry Rot: 2000 – 2002
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The old roof was totally removed. Heavy steel plates were bolted to support timbers and a completely new roof was fitted.
During the time the building had stood empty, dry rot had taken hold in at least five different areas causing extensive damage to plasterwork and wood panelling. Contaminated materials had to be cut away and removed, followed by expert chemical treatment of remaining walls to eradicate dry rot spores. The cost for Phase 1 was in the region of £400,000. The organ was sold to another church and congregation pews sold to carpenters for making into other furniture.
The church was formally declared redundant by the Church of England.
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Phase II St Paul’s Court & Herridge Community Room Built: 2002 – 2004
The old 1960’s hall on the north side of the former church was demolished and an archaeological dig took place to discover any historical remains, but none were found. The building of St Paul’s Court flats, for people with learning difficulties, was completed in the Autumn of 2004 and residents moved in within a month of opening. The new build included a community room with kitchenette and toilet facilities that would form part of the St Paul’s Community Centre. In 2008 the room was renamed the Herridge Room in memory of Audrey Herridge a keen supporter and benefactor of the scheme. The cost of Phase II for building of the Herridge Room with kitchenette and toilets was the sale price of the land on which St Paul’s Court flats were built plus a sum in the region of £80,000. St Paul’s Court flats were built with money raised by Southdown Housing Association and this facility is directly managed by them.
St Paul’s Court received two awards in 2005, first from Sussex Heritage Trust and then from Worthing Borough Council for ‘Distinction in Building’ award.
Ecclesiastical furniture and pulpit was sold to dealers for supply to other churches.
A newsletter called “Update” was introduced, first appearing in the autumn of 2004 and two or three editions have been issued each year since then to those on our mailing list. See “Contact Us” page of this website if you would like your name added to our mailing list.
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Phase III Main Building Repairs and Re-ordering: 2005 – 2009
The old floor timbers were sold for architectural salvage. The original floor foundations were removed and ground excavated for new foundations for a concrete sub-floor on which joists were laid and state of the art under floor heating set in insulation foam to direct all heat upwards. Some old cast iron radiators, in good condition, were retained for inclusion in the heating system.
New gas fired boilers were installed in the basement. Repairs were made to internal walls ruined by dry rot. Window stonework on south side, that had suffered erosion, was replaced and new glazing bars fitted. The building was re-wired and new lighting fitted. A kitchen was installed in readiness for the café. Chancel area woodblock flooring was renovated to become a stage. A glass screen was fitted to create the east end Chapel space and glass panelled room built under the north balcony. There are plans to build two more adjacent rooms of similar construction when funds permit. Ground floor areas were decorated and finally the oak flooring laid and sealed. The cost for Phase III was over £500,000.
The Result and Next Steps: 2009 onwards
The total cost for this project of over £1 million, so far, was raised from grants, legacies, donations and local fund-raising over 12 years. St Paul’s Trust is very grateful to all who have given money, time, skills, materials, energy and enthusiasm to this project.
· This beautiful and important Grade II* listed building has been rescued from near collapse and takes pride of place in the town’s designated conservation area.
· The building has been given a new lease of life to benefit the community.
· Its Christian heritage, dating back to 1812, continues for generations to come.
· Through the use of adjacent land for building St Paul’s Court flats, people with learning difficulties have a measure of independent living as well as assistance and training in life skills available to them as required.
St Paul’s Centre does not only has an impressive past, it has an important future. It is the place where the Community comes first!
The repair, restoration and re-ordering work done so far will allow ground floor areas of the building to be opened in 2009 and used by the public. When additional funds have been raised, work will be undertaken to bring first floor organ loft and balconies into use.
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