A FIRE-hit hall targeted by arsonists almost five years ago has been branded an eyesore amid calls for work to take place to fix it up. 

Sutton Church Hall, in Sutton Road, Rochford, went up in flames back in February 2020 – destroying the roof and covering most of the room in rubble. 

The building remains burnt out and was recently visited by urban explorer Martin Halliday, who admitted it was a “shame” to see it in a state of disrepair.  

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Old - Sutton Church Hall in RochfordOld - Sutton Church Hall in Rochford (Image: Martin Halliday)


Prior to the fire, the hall had been the home of Southend Art Club, who had been hosting workshops and exhibitions there for around a year before it went up in flames.

Mr Halliday explores old and empty buildings, as well as historic sites in South Essex, for his YouTube channel DE-evolved.

Damaged - A fire ripped through the building years agoDamaged - A fire ripped through the building years ago (Image: Martin Halliday)

He said: “I was heading home, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a white abandoned looking building.

“I noticed the roof looked burnt as I approached it and decided to take a look.

“It wasn’t until I was home, I learnt about its history and past.

“The flames engulfed the roof and it was smoke that damaged the rest.

“It has since fallen into a dilapidated state of disrepair and is no longer operational, which is a shame.” 

Urban explorer Martin HallidayUrban explorer Martin Halliday (Image: Martin Halliday)


Thankfully, only a few paintings were damaged, and the more historic ones escaped serious harm.

Mike Steptoe, councillor responsible for the Roche South ward, added that it is difficult for the council to do anything as the building is privately owned.  

Shock - State of disrepair inside of the buildingShock - State of disrepair inside of the building (Image: Martin Halliday)


He said: “It is a lovely little hall.

“It is a real shame that it has got in the state it is. But it is privately owned, not by the council. 

Fire - Broken windows at the hallFire - Broken windows at the hall (Image: Martin Halliday)


“I would love to see it brought back in to use again as it was a real asset to community. I am not aware of any plans at the moment.

“But with it being privately owned, it makes it more difficult for the council to do much with it.”