Restoration

Those of you who have visited St John's or regularly worship there will already know that it is a beautiful church, but because of its position its inner beauty lies hidden. Not wanting to be hidden anymore St John's has taken on a massive restoration project which will be completed over two phases. The concept is to make St John's more visible to the public and to provide some much needed community facilities. Pier Hill itself is also having a face life and St Johns wants to be part of this and become a prominent feature of Pier Hill. It is hoped that St Johns will be complemented by the Palace Hotel renovation project which will provide an up market hotel with conference rooms and many new facilities.

Phase 1 began in earnest in September 2006 working on refurbishing the main church structure. Phase 1 was completed for Christmas 2006. All the old lighting and heating have been ripped out to be replaced by state of the art mood lighting and much needed central heating.

We now have a new modern kitchen, parish offices and meeting rooms. There will be a separate entrance for the meeting rooms and offices.

The entrance has been cleared of clutter and is minimalistic with a newly tiled floor. This is now a more social area for Tea & Coffee after services.

It is hoped work on Phase 2 will begin in during 2007 when funds will have been raised to start this exciting phase. We are approaching local charities for sponsorship. St Johns wish to renovate the front porch of the church so that the high altar will be clearly visible from the street at all times. The planned building of an extension on the north side of the church will enhance the work completed in phase 1.

Now follow the link to view Plans for the redevelopment of the front porch and building of the extension.

Phase 2 of our restoration project began in earnest in May 2008. We are carrying out extensive renovation work to the front porch.

There will be glass doors at front and at the sides, with the windows now extending to the pavement- so that people can see into St John's at all times. At night there will be lighting on the High Altar which will be clearly visible from the outside.

The work is scheduled to be completed on 19th July 2008. This was finished on time.

The Sensory Garden has been created in the Graveyard.

It is for use by the public as a picnic area in the heart of the Southend Town Centre-

It will be looked after by members of Southend 'Mind' - the Mental Health Organisation.

The Project has been funded 75% by the Cory Environmental Trust.