East Grinstead: Former church opens as community space

Councillor John Belsey says he hopes Sunnyside Barn will "strengthen" the community

A former church in East Grinstead is opening its doors as a community space to "reduce isolation" for homeworkers.

East Grinstead Town Council bought the church building on Dunnings Road in July 2023.

The council spent months renovating it and changed its name from St Barnabas to Sunnyside Barn as a nod to its location.

A drop-in morning to formally open the barn for public use is being held on Friday.

Councillor John Belsey says Sunnyside Barn - which was renamed to reflect its location in the Sunnyside area of the town - will be available as a space to hire for community groups and children's birthday parties, as well as homeworkers who want to use it as a "pop-up office" to reduce feelings of isolation.

A reported 80% of homeworkers feel it harms their mental health, the Nuffield Trust says.

Mr Belsey said: "News that the church intended to sell came to the council via a resident and it became clear how much having a community building in Sunnyside means to those living in this part of town.

"It's been an exciting project to improve the building for such a potential range of different activities for residents and to strengthen our community."

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