TWO parishes serving the inner-city of Portsmouth have voted to radically re-think the way they serve their neighbourhoods.

The Church Councils of St Peter’s Church and St Luke’s Church have agreed that their first preference is to build a brand new city centre church to meet the needs of the 21st century. The news was announced to congregations yesterday. (Sunday 26)

A joint meeting of the two church councils considered a range of options to renew the Church of England’s mission to Somerstown, north Southsea and the city centre. They agreed their best option was to work together on a new landmark building that would raise the profile of the Church in the city centre.

The parishes had previously been asked by Portsmouth City Council if they were interested in building a new church on land near the junction of Winston Churchill Avenue and Isambard Brunel Road.

They will now advise the council of their interest to acquire the site – although much work still needs to be done before the church councils work out if it is suitable, and if Portsmouth City Council will sell the site.

The catalyst for this move is the realisation that both parishes need to change the way they offer ministry and mission to ensure people hear the Christian gospel.

Another factor is the cost of revamping St Peter’s and St Luke’s Church buildings over the next 20 years. Although both churches are able to manage their day-to-day costs, there is little spare income for major repairs or new development.

Community and theatre groups using both churches are being reassured that they can book rooms until at least the end of 2012 – and they’ll be asked what facilities they think any new building could include.

The vicar of St Peter’s and St Luke’s, the Rev Alex Hughes, said: “It’s taken us 18 months of careful thinking to get to this point, so this isn’t a decision that we’ve taken lightly. But I’m pleased that these two parishes have been willing to think so creatively about the future.

“Our primary goal is to renew the mission of the Church in this area. As things were, much of our energy, time and money was being poured into the maintenance of two buildings. A brand new church in a high-profile position will help us to serve those who live, work and visit our city centre much more effectively.

“However, although we’ve now expressed that preference, there are still too many unknowns about the city council’s site for us to commit ourselves to that. We’ll now have to take some professional advice as to whether we can achieve our aims on that site.

“We’re also looking to consult community groups and local residents about what facilities they would like any new church building to offer.

“There has also been some publicity about the effects of closing the St Peter’s Theatre. Although some of its facilities have been updated recently, it’s well known that it requires considerable investment to bring it up to 21st century standards. We’re hoping to create spaces in any new building that will be flexible enough for those involved in the theatre scene to use.”

The Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster said: “"This is a bold and exciting step forward.  If all goes according to plan, the new church buildings will be an important and very visible sign of the church's commitment to serve the people of Somerstown and North Southsea, and the city centre."

The parishes will now commission a feasibility study to look at the site suggested by the city council. If the church councils decide to go ahead on that site, architects would draw up plans which would have to be agreed by the Diocese of Portsmouth and Portsmouth City Council. It is unlikely that any building work would start before 2013.

Part of the decision included looking at the viability of St Peter’s Theatre, which is used by a variety of amateur groups in the city. Although its flying facilities, curtains, box office and stage have recently been upgraded, there are issues relating to health and safety, heating, fire safety and disabled access that need to be addressed.

To help those affected, the diocese has committed itself to researching potential venues for theatre groups across the city, working alongside the city council. Flexible spaces exist in a number of churches that can be used for theatre performances.