ST LEONARDS CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION Architects : John Puttick Associates
John Puttick Associates has completed the transformative refurbishment of St Leonard ’ s Church in Hove , delivering an adaptable community resource marked by a striking new timber porch . The glulam-pitched roofed extension symbolizes a distinct , open welcome to the congregation and wider local community . Located on New Church Road in Hove , the Grade-II listed Anglican church was originally built in the 13th century , and the existing Victorian building features a textural facade of knapped flint across its double-nave form .
St Leonard ’ s remained in operation with a dedicated yet dwindling congregation despite not having a resident vicar for four years , but faced closure in 2016 . In contrast , the busy and bustling St Peter ’ s Church in nearby Brighton with its large , youthful congregation was outgrowing the available facilities . A vision to reimagine St Leonard ’ s as a versatile community asset led to a partnership between the church council , the Diocese of Chichester , and St Peter ’ s . This partnership saw 30 of St Peter ’ s community members join Vicar Ali Marshall in working alongside the smaller existing traditional congregation to revitalize St Leonard ’ s . John Puttick Associates won an invited competition to realize the community ’ s vision in 2020 , and funding for the construction was secured from the Church of England in 2021 .
The brief sought an adaptable and functional community space suited to a family-oriented , contemporary congregation . Key requirements included the need for a heating system and audiovisual integration to support the lively , musical weekend services , while still respecting the historic character and fabric of the listed building . A smaller , more traditional worship space was also needed . John Puttick Associates has reimagined entry to the church as a gesture of welcome to all in the local neighborhood . The architects have relocated the entrance from the south elevation where a gated porch was often
“ The added flexibility to the church , and the dedicated work of Vicar Ali Marshall and his team has ensured that the building will be holistically used , for both worship and community growth , for many years to come . The new timber porch encapsulates the welcoming nature of the church with the slatted oak gates opening wide to receive all .” -Martin Aberson , Senior Architect
perceived to be closed , to the west , a more traditional location for the church entrance that unlocked the interior arrangement . The new entrance takes the form of a 4.5-metre tall glulam porch topped by a standing seam zinc roof . The new entrance features two sets of timber slatted doors that open towards the street and rear of the site , enhancing a sense of permeability and inviting the community in . The interiors are renewed with a versatile floor plan designed for multi-use . St Leonard ’ s features two distinct naves ; one smaller wing to the south adjacent to the larger northern nave , delineated by original stone arches . John Puttick Associates integrated glass doors within the archways to offer flexible settings depending on the community ’ s needs . The main nave is dedicated to contemporary
family services and live music , meanwhile , the traditional nave retains the original encaustic tiled floor , honoring the church ’ s heritage .
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