Since the church building was closed in 1996 as unsafe and later formally declared redundant, the small project team has worked hard.  This is a building with Grade II* listing, dating from 1812:

1) Setting up as a Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee.
2) Obtaining Planning Permissions and Listed Building consent for re-ordering wortk.
3) Fund-raising at local level and seeking grants from national fund-holders.
4) Employing an Architect and main contractor to undertake massive work on the roof timbers involving complete removal of the old roof and replacing with a new one. Dry rot eradication. Removal of broken flooring and replacement with new including modern underfloor heating system. Re-wiring the building and much much more.

So far we have spent over £900,000 on this project and we estimate a further £150,000 will see the building work of renovation and reordering completed.

Check out our web site at: stpaulscommunitycentre.org.uk

The vision and purpose for all this work is more than just to rescue an old building, impressive though it is, but to give it a new lease of life for and use it to benefit people in Worthing. It will be a place for social enterprise initiatives addressing issues relating to the urban priority concerns of the area. It will also be a place for relaxation and enjoyment in the Cafe and at performing arts events.

There will be the opportunity to explore the Christian faith and use the small Chapel for quiet reflection or prayer. No one said this journey would be easy and it has certainly been a struggle at times. We have had set backs. But in all this we have also known the assurance and the providence of of God.

We press on with the work to get this building completed for opening in 2008 subject to grants becomming available to us. We are grateful to CUF and other funders who support us and see the enormous potential for good in the community that will be possible through this venture.