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A striking 19th century church could be at risk of demolition. All Souls Church, located at Athelstan Road in Clive Vale, Hastings, is a Grade II* Listed building with significant architectural and historical value. It is currently listed for sale at £250,000 by Dyer and Hobbis.
The church was designed by renowned ecclesiastical architect Arthur Blomfield, and is considered one of his finest works. Constructed almost entirely of brick, both inside and out, it stands as a "dominant" feature in the late Victorian suburb. Its interior is described as "dramatic", showcasing many of Blomfield's favoured architectural features.
The church is constructed mostly of red brick (Image: Dyer and Hobbis) Despite its grandeur, declining attendances and high maintenance costs led to the church's closure in November 2007. The Diocese of Chichester declared it redundant soon after. The church first went on the market in January 2012 but has yet to find a buyer.
This has led to concerns that Church Commissioners might consider demolishing the building. The Victorian Society, a charity dedicated to preserving Victorian and Edwardian heritage buildings, has included All Souls Church in its list of buildings most at risk of demolition. The society noted the church's beautiful proportions and intact condition, describing it as an "outstanding" example of a large, red-brick town church.
READ NEXT: Traditional pub with 'loyal local following' on sale for £380,000 Despite being watched over by a dedicated former congregation member, the church has suffered from a lack of repair since its closure. Daylight can now be seen through the roof above the altar, resulting in damage to the inlaid stone decoration on the wall behind the altar due to damp. The society estimates the cost of repairs to be around £1.
2 million, though it says this reflects a backlog of basic maintenance rather than any fundamental structural problem with the building. It features a number of 'dramatic' architectural features (Image: Dyer and Hobbis) The Victorian Society has urged the Church Commissioners to work with local groups and the council to find a new use for the important building. A resident of St Leonards, Elizabeth Mason, originally funded the church's construction in memory of her late husband.
The foundation stone was placed on All Souls' Day (2 November) 1889, construction began in 1890, and the church was opened on 16 July 1891 after a consecration ceremony. The estate agent has suggested that the property could be suitable for a variety of uses, subject to the necessary planning consents being granted..
