A new era is dawning for the Salvation Army

Its new headquarters, the £2.5 million Congress Hall and community centre, is beginning to rise from the rubble of the 116-year-old citadel which once stood on the site in Park Crescent Terrace, Brighton. This was demolished to make way for the new building last March.

Passers-by can now see the skeleton of the new hall on the site where the old citadel stood dominating the town's skyline.

The new complex will not only be a place of worship but will also house a drop-in and advice centre facilities.As well as two new halls, there will be a coffee shop, a meeting room and car parking.

Project manager Sandie Foster said: "It is really exciting watching the building go up. I went to see it on Monday and I was amazed at how quickly it has come on."

The old Congress Hall building was opened in 1884 by Catherine Booth, wife of the movement's founder, William Booth. Ornate decorative features, including blue-painted ironwork with the letter 'S' for the Salvation Army, were saved during the demolition work, along with a vast archive of the movement.

The 200 members of the Salvation Army have moved to a temporary base in Preston Barracks, Lewes Road, Brighton.

The movement's community outreach programme, which includes prison and hospital visits and distribution of bedding and food to the homeless, has continued throughout.

The SA still needs to raise more than £1 million for the new building. Money is being raised thanks to the Be a Brick, Buy a Brick campaign. For a minimum donation of £5, people can have their names recorded on a roll of honour to hang in the new complex, which is still on target to open in August 2001.

Buy a brick donations can be made at the Army shop in Baker Street, Brighton.

For more information visit the appeal website at www.brighton salvationarmy.org.uk