BHOD 13 - The Extraordinary ‘First Base’

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Description - Now operating as First Base Day Centre for homeless people this building has a fascinating and hidden history. Built as the ballroom to the Castle Inn in the Old Steine, it quickly became the place to be seen for Brighton’s fashionable crowd. It later became the Chapel to the Royal Pavilion before being sold to Brighton Corporation in 1850 and moved to its current location on Montpelier Place where it opened as St Stephen’s Church in 1851. Closed as a place of worship in 1939 due to a dwindling congregation, it has been in charitable use ever since. Now a Grade II* listed building, First Base has recently undergone a total renovation to improve the day centre facilities including restoration of many original features. The renovation is an excellent example of how a historic building can be sensitively adapted. Come and learn about this building’s hidden history and its restoration.