A HISTORIC church could collapse after further damage was found by builders restoring it.

Experts were called in to restore the Brighton Unitarian Church in New Road, but have found the building in such a bad state that it now poses a “serious risk” to pedestrians and nearby businesses.

According to a report, the Grade II listed building is in an “advanced state of collapse”, which could add more than £70,000 to the cost of repairing it, following a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Churchgoers now fear the city could lose another architectural treasure if more money is not raised.

The structure, designed by architect Amon Henry Wilds, was modelled on the ancient Athenian Temple of Theseus, with Doric columns and a portico, and is one of the city’s oldest, dating back to the Regency period of the early 19th century.

It was placed on the “at risk” list by English Heritage after surveys revealed rainwater was seeping behind the stucco frontage, so the restoration project got under way.

But the devastating new report found rotten timbers, and metal supports which have been so badly corroded that they have

disappeared altogether.

The stonework is falling apart and in danger of falling off.

Brighton Unitarian Church treasurer Phillida Simpson said: “Thanks to generous financial contributions from charities and individual supporters, work is well under way on rebuilding one of the city centre’s finest landmarks.

“However, we simply do not have the money to address the serious restoration problems, as funds raised by our many efforts are already fully committed to the original project for our beloved church’s endangered classical Greek frontage.

“The church has to raise an additional £71,000. This is devastating news for us. However, we are determined that the building is repaired and continues to be open as a place of worship and a community venue for future generations

“We urgently need additional funding to help to repair the damage and make the pediment [triangular part of the building] safe again. This is why we are looking to our community and friends for your help and support.”

The venue is used for community events including the Fringe and Pride, and was among the first churches to offer same-sex weddings.

The first phase of work started in March but carpenters found the portico above the columns was rotten and falling down.

One of the builders working on the project said: “After stripping and exposing some of the roof space, we realised that all the frames were rotten, the whole pediment was liable to come away from the building.”

In a promotional video, Unitarian Church committee member Frances Tulley said the building has opened its doors to thousands of people for the past 200 years.

“It is a reminder of something sacred in the centre of our busy city, where all faiths are welcome,” she said.

So the church has appealed to Brightonians to support the fundraising. To donate or find out more visit www.brightonunitarian.org.uk.