Park Hill Evangelical Church, Brighton

The Park Hill Evangelical Church in Brighton, originally built as Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in 1894, stands as a notable example of late-Victorian non-conformist architecture. Designed by Herbert Buckwell, a prominent local architect and the son of a ship owner and brewer, the church was constructed to serve the congregation of the former Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, which had been displaced by a slum clearance scheme.

Situated within the Queen’s Park conservation area, the church occupies a striking position on the steep slope of Park Hill, which enhances its presence as a focal point and local landmark. Its rectangular plan and gabled frontage are constructed from yellow-brown brick in Flemish Garden Wall bond, accented with red brick banding and plaster moldings. The entrance, accessed via steps and flanked by cast iron railings, features a segmental-arched doorway, contributing to the building’s architectural grandeur.

One of the church's most distinctive features is its tall octagonal chimney on the east side, which adds to its unique character. The overall design showcases a free Renaissance style, characterized by the use of round and segmental-arched openings, a projecting gable, and various ornamental details, which, while atypical for the conservation area, contribute positively to the local environment.

The church was renamed Park Hill Evangelical Church in 1943, and its architectural and historical significance was recognized in the Queen’s Park Character Statement (2018), where it was recommended for inclusion on the Local List. The building remains an important piece of Brighton's architectural heritage, reflecting both the skill of its architect and the historical context in which it was created.