Issue 45 Feb 25 web - Flipbook - Page 34
Christ Church Worthing
Originally conceived as a large Commissioners’ church, Christ Church was constructed between
1840-43 to the designs of John Elliot of Chichester. Grade II* listed, the church has steadily undertaken
a series of projects to improve the building including making the main entrances more accessible and
introducing WC and kitchen facilities. Further, re-ordering was needed to accommodate new
community needs, creating a multi-purpose space now known as Waters Hall.
As part of on-going development of facilities in response
to changing demands on ecclesiastical buildings, and
indeed a desire for wider community outreach, the
Parochial Church Council (PCC) has steadily undertaken
a selection of projects that have sensitively improved the
building, including making the main entrances more
accessible and introducing W.C. and kitchen facilities
within the North Transept. That followed an earlier period of uncertainty concerning the future of the building.
The use of the ‘sister’ church (Holy Trinity) was reduced
significantly in 2014 and it has since been deconsecrated,
allowing the PCC to sell the attached hall to fund further
reordering and improvements at Christ Church. Following a period of consultation the two congregations joined
in worship at Christ Church.
The PCC therefore responded by implementing some
immediate changes to how the building was used, as well
as beginning a master planning exercise. As the interior
was densely populated with pews the first task was to
create some break-out space at the West end of the
interior, albeit whilst working around the pews and
ensuring that it is a removable intervention.
That temporary re-ordering was considered to have been
particularly successful, including where community outreach was concerned. As new community needs emerged
post-pandemic the PCC resolved to formalise the West
end re-ordering as a permanent but ultimately reversible
intervention. The re-ordering project therefore amounted
to the following:
- The removal the pews and associated raised pew
platforms between the West end of the worship space and
first pair of Nave columns, this prior to the introduction
of a new insulated suspended floor that is level with the
retained central aisle, it’s parquet also being repaired and
refinished.
- To allow future custodians to reinstate a West end
gallery, the introduction of footings beneath the new
suspended floor structure.
- Having created a Narthex with a direct relationship with
the traditional processional entrance via the West end
and Nave and aisles to the East, the introduction of a
bespoke servery that allows the serving of refreshments to
assembled groups, albeit which is designed to allow those
with reduced mobility to operate / use it.
Below, Christ church before
