The Parish of St Martin has submitted plans to repair and restore the Rectory Barn, bringing it back into use for the community.

Located opposite the Public Hall on Rue des Raisies, the barn currently exists in what planning proposals describe as a 'structurally unsound poor state of repair' with 'no use or purpose'. 

Permission had previously been obtained to revamp the building to use it for storage. New plans want to see it transformed into a community hub. 

Location of proposed refurbishment, taken from planning application

Charles Alluto, Parish Secretary of St Martin, tells us his vision for the barn: 

"We're envisaging creating a number of small meeting spaces where community groups and also the parish can hold activities.

"Those could range from the WI, the church, to potentially Men in Sheds. We're open to all suggestions but really the idea is to create smaller spaces for meetings and activities rather than just the big public hall."

Section from planning application

The plans involve turning the barn into a two-storey building featuring meeting spaces, disabled access and a landscape garden. 

It's also proposed that the outside of the building will undergo a makeover, with the 1960s granite infill replaced with what's described as a 'double-height glass facade'. 

Section from planning application

The parish's planning proposal estimates the building work will cost between £750,000 - £1 million. 

If the project is approved, Mr Alluto has confirmed that all the money needed to fund it - apart from a pot which has been set aside to cover 'professional fees' - will have to be raised. 

He told Channel 103: "We are hoping that parishioners and potentially also local trusts will support us in our endeavour.  We feel this will really add to the community."

It's hoped that building work will start at the beginning of next year, with an estimated completion date of January 2027.