Victorian church to be extended to support the homeless

By Fiona Callingham, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A Victorian church in Portsmouth is set to be extended to match its original design and provide a new community centre to support the homeless as part of an ‘exciting’ project.

Plans to expand the Grade-11* listed St Agatha’s Church, in Landport, have been submitted and include restoring the Lady Chapel that was demolished in the 1960s and extending the south aisle.

And an entirely new north aisle will be built to incorporate a new community centre and kitchen, as part of the proposals from the St Agatha’s Trust.

Trust member, Clive Elvin, hoped the transformation would make the church a ‘focal point’ of the area. He said: ‘The north aisle was never built but was planned at some point. It was always meant to be a symmetrical building. Now we have got the opportunity to complete the original plan.

‘There are plans for the wider re-development of the area including the car park next door. It is hoped the church will become a community focus point following that.’

Prior to the coronavirus lockdown the church would serve hot meals to around 40 rough sleepers a week.

‘It will primarily be a day centre for homeless people,’ Mr Elvin said.

‘Before Covid people were eating in the church itself. The new north aisle will have a hall to be used tor dining and have a proper kitchen.’

Father John Maunder, from the church, said: ‘The people of Landport built St Agatha’s. The idea is to pass on something as a legacy. It is nice to think something is being done to enhance rather than forget the past.’

It is also planned the centre will be used to provide other services for the community.

Father Maunder added: ‘One of the things we found when feeding people was they were in need of attention whether medical or dental as well as advice on how to get jobs.

‘We have already got the volunteers lined up. The idea is too once or twice a week run something where they could speak to a doctor or get advice on where they can go.’

It is hoped planning permission will be awarded next year. The trust will then look at raising funds for the project.