Early in the 20th century, its priest paid £600 for a plot of land on Portland Road—a main road running westwards from Hove towards Aldrington and Portslade—with the intention of establishing a new church there.

Claude Kelly's father John, who had designed dozens of churches in his architectural career, is believed to have been involved as well—he had been in partnership with his son since 1904—and another ecclesiastical architect, J. Marshall, may also have worked on the building.

[1] The original pews and pulpit were replaced in 1929,[1][2] and a parishioner provided the church with an organ made by Henry Willis & Sons.

A presbytery adjoins the northeastern side, and at the opposite corner is the building's landmark—a tall campanile with bell-chamber and copper roof.

Described as "startling" by English Heritage for its similarity to an Italian-style basilica, the church is also considered to have an impressive interior; there is much use of marble in various colours, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling.

St Peter's Church was listed at Grade II by English Heritage on 22 February 1988.