Robert Nemeth on the Christchurch Co-operative

Intertwined amongst my interest in the architecture of Bellerbys College is a fascination with major projects generally and a curiosity over the success of the New England Quarter in particular.

The story of Christchurch House is as much about a co-operative as it is about buildings. ‘Christchurch’, as this modern development amongst Regency townhouses in the centre of Brighton is also known, rose from the ruins of Christ Church during the 1980s. The church, known for its tall spire, was built in 1838 and demolished in 1982. Work on this most unique development of 11 flats, with facades on both Montpelier Road and Bedford Place, began in 1985 but halted in 1987 when the builders went bankrupt. It was completed by 1988.

Despite the presence of a myriad pretty pot plants across numerous balconies, the two facades appear fortress-like. This is principally down to a distinctive street-facing fire escape on each that features what I see as modern takes on battlements and arrow slits. The parapets hide pitched roofs.

I was shown around by resident Helen Russell who is, like every resident of Christchurch, a member of Two Piers Housing Co-operative, the organisation that owns this and several other buildings around Brighton and Hove. Helen explained that every resident performs functions as a member of the co-operative, as landlord and as tenant. I enjoyed chatting with this engaging piano teacher and marvelled at her enthusiasm for the co-operative movement. It is hard to disagree with the principles behind co-operatives, or with the clever design of her open-plan two-bedroom flat that opens onto the much loved shared garden.

This inner courtyard between the two matching blocks is a miniature oasis that feels incredibly safe and welcoming. The cedar-clad courtyard-facing walls of the two blocks and various slate-look roofs that are on display, along with plants and a pond, provide a rural getaway for residents. The ‘gazebo’ is the central feature which acts as a meeting room. A clever touch is that all of the living rooms face inwards so everybody gets to enjoy this space as much as possible, whereas the bedrooms face the street.

Architect Michael Blee certainly created something different on this historic site and residents seem to be making the most of it, though I do wonder what happens when somebody doesn’t do their fair share. Not everybody is so community-minded after all.

robert@buildingopinions.com
www.buildingopinions.com