Historic Brighton church secures Lottery Fund support

Heritage Lottery funding

Brighton Unitarian Church has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its Portico Repair Project. The Project aims to restore the iconic steps and columns of the Grade 2 listed building, a much loved Brighton landmark. Development funding of £14, 900 has been awarded to pay for the specialist investigations of the building’s iconic columns and steps needed before extensive repairs can proceed.

Important focal point

The Church is a focal point for community groups, musicians and performers in Brighton’s North Laine. It is also a popular venue for rites of passage – including same sex weddings. The church was built in 1820 and has been a place of worship ever since.

Hardworking volunteers

Jan Eaton, chairperson of the church committee says, We’re very pleased that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. We provide a place for live entertainment, public meetings and community groups. This grant will help us take care of the building. Volunteers have been working very hard raising funds for the church so this initial grant from the HLF is very encouraging.

Progressive worship for two hundred years

Lay Pastor Jef Jones adds, ‘Our church has been a place of progressive worship for nearly two hundred years and has contributed to the culture of tolerance and diversity in our city. Securing this funding is an important step when it comes to maintaining this beautiful building for future generations.’