Fitzherbert Community Hub, Brighton

Client: Catholic Parish of East Brighton

Location: Kemptown, Brighton

Cost: 250K build budget

Area: N/A

Project Type: Community

XQLA were pleased to support four local organisations in East Brighton on a ground-breaking shared vision for social change. Working with the Catholic Church of East Brighton, Voices in Exile, the Real Junk Food Project and the Brighton Table Tennis Club, the Practice helped to build a “community of communities” in a socially inclusive space; where people can eat, play and thrive.

This project saw the repurposing of the church hall, ground and first floor offices and associated external courtyard adjacent to the Grade II* St John Baptist Church and Presbytery into a flexible and welcoming community hub. The accessible courtyard offers open air seating for a ‘pay as you feel’ cafe as well as table tennis with a focus on those who are currently physicaly inactive or mobility impaired. The scheme aligns the guiding values and aspirations of each organisation: to progressively and determinedly reduce food poverty and social isolation by providing a safe place where local people can come to eat, form lasting relationships, exercise and belong.

Working with architects Stead & Co and Abacus Project Management the project was conceived in lockdown and recently opened for community use. XQLA supported in the attainment of approvals from the Church Commission and with Brighton & Hove council as well as oversaw works on site.

EXPLORE MORE AT : Fitzherbert Community Hub Vimeo