Following St Thomas’ United Reformed Church’s closure in 2015, the site was used by squatters, repeatedly broken into, and left derelict. Two separate plans to replace it with a new church also never got off the ground and were eventually set aside — leaving the building in limbo. Inside the main hall (Image: Newsquest) The structure is much larger inside than it looks from the road, because it extends so far back and is shielded from the street by a wall and foliage. Graffiti littered the walls (Image: Newsquest) The team, led by lifelong Watford residents, had previously suggested a gym, sports hall, study hubs, space for classes, a nursery, and a food bank could be provided. The gym area (Image: Newsquest) Remnants of a fire (Image: Newsquest) St Thomas' United Reformed Church (Image: Newsquest) Outside the church (Image: Newsquest) St Thomas' United Reformed Church seen from Langley Road (Image: Newsquest)