It’s not every day you get the chance to secure a part of Rye’s architectural and cultural history but if you have access to approaching £500,000 (plus fees) you could become the proud owner of an iconic and superbly situated freehold building in the heart of Rye’s Conservation area, available now with vacant possession.
The Methodist Church at 19 Church Square is an interesting proposition, built in 1903 and according to the selling agents offers over 4,000 sq. ft of useable space arranged over two floors and with a courtyard to the rear.
When the Methodist Church announced in 2021 that they would be vacating the building, local residents met to discuss how the building could be repurposed to benefit the local and wider community, a wish which is still on the agenda for many.
Other groups and individuals have expressed an interest in the church for a variety of alternative uses and, as the building is not listed, there is potential for residential or commercial use, subject of course to the usual planning consents and contract and in addition, subject to the National Methodist church and national custodian trustee policies and practice.
Wouldn’t it be exciting if it were to be secured by locals for use by locals but now that it’s available to the open market it’s anyone’s guess as to who might become the new custodian. This property is likely to cause a lot of interest but whatever the outcome, it will be good for Rye to see a currently empty and decaying building being repurposed and no doubt the selling agents, Dyer and Hobbis, will have to field a lot of enquiries before any transaction is concluded.
Rye Methodist Church is now at St Mary’s Centre in Lion Street and Sunday worship is every Sunday morning at 10.30.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
I truly hope that this building is bought by people from Rye, to be used as a beneficial space for those who live in the surrounding area. A community hall for entertainment, meetings, clubs,craft events etc would be ideal. As it isn’t listed, it could face change of use and redevelopment.
Whomever decides to buy it is going need at least another 500,000+ to start converting it into something they can make a profit from. Far more likely over 1,000,000 to make it something decent, residential being the most obvious. There are properties with large empty spaces in Rye that have been up for sale for at least the past 3 years, which are at a lower price point (and dropping), and still aren’t shifting. Plus, there are the inevitable hurdles to jump through before any work can start. The Methodist Church is a good building in a great location, but someone with very deep pockets is needed to take on such a challenge.
Let us hope it doesn’t get consent to be another Air B and B complex! I feel they are killing our town.
I honestly cannot see this being of any use to the people of Rye.We already have the Community center,the Saint Mary’s centre and other places in Rye. Unfortunately this will be pulled down and turned into very expensive housing.
19 Church Square aka The Church would make a fabulous theatre!
When I mooted this idea I was met with what about parking? we have parking in Rye, but we don’t have a theatre.
The possibilities are endless and tbf it’s about time we had something for the youth of Rye..
Let’s face it Rye has a rich history of actors and the like.
A community theatre with opportunities for all? or do we just settle for another big house….
Are you in???
I think they had the idea of a theatre where the Kino is now. I presume it wasn’t viable option.
thus the Kino.
Dear Rye Council,
I have been lucky enough to see some of the wonderful creativity that takes place at the Rye Creative Centre during my visits to Rye. It’s a strange coincidence that where I live in Asheville North Carolina 300 artists have lost their studios due to a hurricane. I hope that the Rye artists can be supported through this transition, as we hope to do in my hometown. Another thought: the Methodist Church at 19 Church Square would make a perfect art center. You might look to the Dedham Art & Craft Center in Essex for inspiration.
Respectfully, Bernadette Wolf