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Eastbourne church site could be used for flats
DERELICT landmark St Elisabeth's Church and its neighbouring parsonage could be turned into new homes.
The site on Victoria Drive has four buildings – a disused church, the church hall which has now been refurbished and fitted as the new church, the former vicarage and the bus shelter – all of which are Listed Buildings.
The church and adjoining parsonage have now been closed for around six years and it is hoped developers, architects, English Heritage the Diocese of Chichester and Church Commissioner will work together to give the building a new lease of life, containing 23 apartments in the church building, three houses in the parsonage and two further houses in the grounds.
Because the site is so prominent and of interest to many people, a public exhibition is being held.
Mike Reid, from estate agents Reid and Dean, which is acting on behalf of the new owners, said, "Over the decades various attempts were made to repair the building but as time passed it became evident that this was such a massive task that it was just not feasible.
"In 1993, the cost was estimated at 1m and, in 2001, this had risen to 3,185,000.
"Various schemes and proposals were considered for adapting the building resulting in the church itself relocating in 2005 to the former church hall – which has made a very fine alternative.
On July 1, 2002, the Diocese of Chichester declared the original church redundant and in 2008 it was sold to HOP Construction & Developments Ltd."
Mr Reid says there is now "no alternative" but to look for a new use on the site, which generates sufficient funds to pay for its restoration and explained a planning application has been submitted for its conversion.
He added, "As the existing buildings have to be retained due to their listing, the major problem has been to devise a way in which the former church can be developed.
"There have been plenty of surveys to identify its faults and it has taken meticulous calculations to arrive at a plan which provides the solution.
"The plan also has to address the requirements of the Diocese, English Heritage and the borough council."
St Elisabeth's was built in 1935/36 following a bequest from Eliza Watson and the donation of the land by the Duke of Devonshire.
It was built as a massive open space and even when new there was no significant strength in the main walls to allow for the load bearing required to create subdivision.
To overcome this the roof will be removed and a new steel framed structure will be built inside the brick walls. The building will also be washed down, re-pointed and the stonework restored.
The most noticeable new feature of the development will be the roof which will incorporate high level accommodation with panoramic views across the town. Some of the apartments will also have roof gardens.
The exhibition will be open on September 8 between 2.30pm and 5.30pm and again the next day from 5pm to 7.30pm.
The venue is at St Elisabeth's in the new church adjoining the main building.
The main building and parsonage are both currently in a dangerous condition and will not be open for people to view.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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