Holy Trinity Church, Hove

Holy Trinity Church stands in Hove, a town now part of Brighton and Hove on the south coast. Built in the early 1860s, it was designed by local architect James Woodman to ease pressure on St Andrew’s, the old parish church nearby. The tower was added in 1866, though a planned spire was never built. After decades of use, the church closed in 2007 following a review by the Diocese of Chichester. It was later converted into a medical centre, opening in 2017, and now holds Grade II listed status for its historic and architectural importance. The church’s history reflects Hove’s rapid growth in the 19th century, when new housing estates like Cliftonville expanded quickly. Its foundation stone was laid by the Bishop of Chichester in 1863, and the building cost £9,000 to construct. A rare open-air pulpit was installed in 1912, unique in Brighton and Hove at the time. Later additions included a vicarage, a church hall, and rooms beneath the gallery. Despite threats of closure in the 20th century, its survival was secured when it became a medical centre. Inside, the church retains its plain interior with a nave, aisles, chancel, and gallery. The font is made of Caen stone and Sicilian marble, and some stained-glass windows remain. The organ, originally installed in 1883, still stands in its chamber. The exterior features red brick with stone details, though its exact architectural style has been debated. Today, the building houses a three-storey medical centre with surgeries and a pharmacy, blending historic structure with modern use.