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St Peter's Church Brighton
Tower Repairs
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St Peter’s Church stands as one of Brighton’s most recognisable landmarks. Its origins lie in a design competition held in 1824, launched to create a new chapel on the Steine at a time when Brighton was rapidly expanding. In 1873, St Peter’s became the Parish Church of Brighton, cementing its civic and spiritual importance to the city.
Adjacent to the church, the church hall, constructed in 1927, serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War, adding another layer of meaning to this prominent site.
Client
Pcc of St Peter's Church
Dates
Started in July 2018
Location
Brighton
Grade listing
Grade II
A Long-Term Commitment to a City Icon
DBR has acted as Principal Contractor on the conservation of St Peter’s Church for nearly a decade, delivering a sustained programme of works to rescue a building in a severely dilapidated condition. Years of exposure to Brighton’s harsh coastal environment had resulted in extensive stone erosion, corroding iron cramps, and widespread failure of roof coverings.
The survival of this major Brighton landmark is the result of a shared commitment between DBR and Holy Trinity Brompton, whose dedication to restoring the church’s role within the local community drove the long-term vision for the project.
The project unfolded in phases to align with Lottery funding, preserving continuity and historic fabric. DBR’s skilled masons crafted precisely templated Portland stone to match the church’s intricate Gothic Revival geometry.
Engineering Strength Back into the Structure
Extensive roof works were undertaken to secure the building envelope. The aisle roofs and mid-tier tower roof were replaced with zinc pressed metal sheet coverings, incorporating new insulation and access hatches. The high-level tower roof was recovered in lead to maintain durability and historical appropriateness.
Internally, the nave roof structure was strengthened using carefully designed steel plates. These redistributed loads more centrally onto the masonry walls, helping to arrest further movement and ensuring the long-term stability of the building.
Stone, Metal, and the Hands That Shape Them
DBR’s specialist teams carried out a comprehensive programme of masonry repair and conservation across the site. They addressed fractures in the stonework, particularly around the plinth and upper tier, and removed inappropriate cement pointing, reinstating breathable lime mortar to support the building’s long‑term health. Cleaning works lifted soot and friable stone, exposing hidden defects for targeted repair. Corroded railings were replaced with galvanised, powder‑coated gates and grills to improve security and prevent bird entry, while redesigned handrails were introduced to complement the church’s character.
The tower doors were overhauled and redecorated, stained glass was protected, and signboards restored. Surrounding masonry, rendered panels, and door surrounds were inspected and repaired. Once scaffolding was removed, paved areas were assessed, and long‑term maintenance responsibilities were agreed with Brighton & Hove City Council.
