Bit of a chance find this as I was working across the road and couldn't ignore the large obviously derelict building almost directly opposite! A quick scout after a rather blatant fence hop resulted in locating an open way in quickly, which honestly I was very surprised to find given how ridiculously overlooked the building is. I have to say, finding and seeing something totally new, where you have zero idea of what to expect inside is one of the best feelings, especially when it turns out to be rather good, as this place was.
There isn't a huge amount of history associated with the church itself, but there is more concerning the attached historic community hall. Nicholson Hall was built in 1909, in memory of Benjamin Nicholson one of the founders of local yacht building company Campers & Nicholson, who died in 1906. It opened in September 1910 and was immediately very popular in the surrounding area, occupied by a school in the daytime and evening groups afterwards. It was used as a recreation hall by soldiers during the First World War and then by the scouts from 1919, and later used as a pre-school. During World War II the church next to it was destroyed by a bomb during an air raid leaving the hall with significant damage, but it was repaired and back open again by 1943. The ruined church was demolished after the war and, during the early 1950s, a new large church was constructed in it's place, with a corridor joining the hall to the church. Behind the church, a small auditorium/gymnasium was built, also joined via a corridor making the building a large sprawling mix of architectural styles. The conservation area pdf describes the church as having 'little merit' however I think it's a very fine example of mid-century church architecture, it's solid and spacious and of a form that is just beginning to look very nice after years of being derided. The church closed around 2018 and the site has apparently been sold for development, with any plans involving the demolition of the church but retention of the original hall.
Unfortunately as I wasn't expecting to explore anything I was lacking my tripod, but did at least have my wide angle lens in my bag so that was something at least. I hate using a wide angle hand held as it's always a pain in the arse but it is what it is.
I was planning on getting an external shot however we had to leave rather quickly at the end so no joy. I'll be back in the area very soon though so may snap one then if I remember...
Thanks for looking
There isn't a huge amount of history associated with the church itself, but there is more concerning the attached historic community hall. Nicholson Hall was built in 1909, in memory of Benjamin Nicholson one of the founders of local yacht building company Campers & Nicholson, who died in 1906. It opened in September 1910 and was immediately very popular in the surrounding area, occupied by a school in the daytime and evening groups afterwards. It was used as a recreation hall by soldiers during the First World War and then by the scouts from 1919, and later used as a pre-school. During World War II the church next to it was destroyed by a bomb during an air raid leaving the hall with significant damage, but it was repaired and back open again by 1943. The ruined church was demolished after the war and, during the early 1950s, a new large church was constructed in it's place, with a corridor joining the hall to the church. Behind the church, a small auditorium/gymnasium was built, also joined via a corridor making the building a large sprawling mix of architectural styles. The conservation area pdf describes the church as having 'little merit' however I think it's a very fine example of mid-century church architecture, it's solid and spacious and of a form that is just beginning to look very nice after years of being derided. The church closed around 2018 and the site has apparently been sold for development, with any plans involving the demolition of the church but retention of the original hall.
Unfortunately as I wasn't expecting to explore anything I was lacking my tripod, but did at least have my wide angle lens in my bag so that was something at least. I hate using a wide angle hand held as it's always a pain in the arse but it is what it is.
I was planning on getting an external shot however we had to leave rather quickly at the end so no joy. I'll be back in the area very soon though so may snap one then if I remember...
Thanks for looking
