Clontarf: € 3.5m: The site of a Church of Ireland parish hall and lodge built in 1882 is being sold to fund a new community centre. Anne Dempsey talks to vicar Derek Sargent

The flower and plant sale in the Church of Ireland Parish Hall, Clontarf last Saturday morning undoubtedly helped to lift the appearance of its old-fashioned interior, but could not fully disguise its shabby state.

Built in 1882, the grey stone hall has, over the decades, been the venue for thousands of meetings by people of all ages in the Clontarf area, everything from the Mother's Union to the Boy's Brigade.

For many years the hall was the parochial school, providing classrooms by day for local children before moving back the desks for evening gatherings.

But today the hall is very run down, as is the sexton's late Edwardian lodge and garden beside it, where successive church caretakers used to live.

Now the church has decided to sell both properties on Seafield Road West and use the proceeds to fund the building of a new purpose-built community centre serving parish and local community.

It's a generous gesture, and an exciting prospect for the church's rector, the Reverend Derek Sargent, and his parishioners. They have been far-sighted in holding on to house and hall for so long in such a prestigious spot, and they sell now at a time to gain the maximum benefit.

Full planning permission has been granted to demolish the two old buildings and to erect four detached houses in their place. The half-acre site is an in excellent location at the junction of Vernon Avenue and Seafield Road, a short walk from local shops and the seafront.

Saying goodbye to the old hall and lodge represents a new chapter in the parish which has already had a significant local history.

St John the Baptist Church further along on Seafield Road was built in 1866 and largely funded by the Vernon family who owned Clontarf Castle. The largest Church of Ireland church in north Dublin, it's a serene granite and limestone building .

Derek Sargent's family home is beside the church, his side gate opens directly into the church grounds and the crèche during the Sunday morning service is run from his garden level.

His parish office is currently a small crowded study overlooking his front garden, filled with photographs of his children. He looks forward to moving computer and filing cabinet into the new centre.

"People will still call here all the time, that will be no different, but I have a secretary who works voluntarily, I get help from other people as well, and we will have more room there.

Today, with the parish serving 275 households, the centre is a badly needed amenity.

While it's being built, parish activities will be dispersed around local schools and other public buildings. "People have been very kind to us, and everyone is accepting they will be inconvenienced for a year," he says.

Drawings for the new 744sq m(8,000sq ft) building show a large main hall on the ground floor suitable for indoor sport and large events, a minor hall, plus meeting and committee rooms, rector's office and kitchen.

Upstairs there will be storage facilities, changing rooms, toilets and a large social area. Currently out to tender, plans are for a grand opening in spring 2007.

Soon after it will be business as usual - the flower guild, the Sunday school, the Monday Club, the Girl Guides, and more.

"There are other groups too, and I'll be shot if I leave anyone out! We want to be available to other local groups such as mother and toddler groups or after school clubs," says Derek Sargent.

The centre will be sited in the grounds of St John the Baptist Church, taking some land from the Sargent family's back garden next door, and the tennis club owned by the parish at the rear of the church.

Its front elevation will be partly built with granite and limestone, in keeping with the main building.

A walkway will lead from the hall to the church and the opportunity is being taken to open a new door on the west side of the church - unusually, the church has no main door, and has had to make do with small entrances on its north and south side.

This will provide more access and light up the wonderful stained glass window behind the main altar which depicts the 12 apostles.

"We are a growing and flourishing parish and the centre is part of the vision we have as parish family.

"We think of ourselves as family. People are very involved. Monday is my day off and when I come back my lawn will have been cut by a parishioner.

"That's what they're like. Worshipping together each Sunday is important but for many it is only the beginning of being together," says Derek Sargent.

The two properties at 42-44 Seafield Road West, Clontarf, Dublin 3, will be auctioned on October 25, with Sherry Fitzgerald Blanc guiding a figure in the region of €3.5 million.

The successful bidder has the option of developing the site according to the house plans already drawn up by architect Michael Mohan or submitting a new planning application.