St Leonards-on-Sea United Reformed Church

St Leonards-on-Sea Congregational Church is a former Congregational church in St Leonards-on-Sea, part of the town and borough of Hastings in East Sussex, England. Considered "one of the most ambitious Nonconformist buildings in Sussex", the sandstone building of 1863 forms a significant landmark on one of the Victorian resort's main roads—despite the loss of its copper spire in the Great Storm of 1987. Unlike most churches of its denomination, it did not join the United Reformed Church when that denomination was formed in 1972. It fell out of religious use in 2008 and had stood empty and was at risk of demolition. English Heritage has listed the building at Grade II for its architectural and historical importance. Bought by a new owner in 2012 it was almost completely renovated, but was then sold again in 2019. The new owner originally planned to open the church to the public as an arts and antiques centre with a cafe in the tower. After 5 years carefully and painstakingly renovating the building to its original glory, the lower church hall was finally re-opened to the public on 6 April 2024 as an indoor weekend Market open on Saturdays and Sundays, selling vintage and collectable items. The enormous and spectacular gothic 'Great Hall' upstairs is now a registered wedding venue available to hire for couples. The venue also has an enormous reception area downstairs, so weddings and receptions can take place in the same building.