BUILDING work has started on a �200,000 refurbishment of a town centre church.
The revamp is taking place at St Mary Magdalene, Alsager, and will involve a new kitchen, meeting room, admin centre, offices and toilets.
The Crewe Road church is expanding so voluntary and non-profit organisations can use the building as a community venue.
The Reverend Robin Isherwood, from the church, said: "What we are hoping for is a terrific venue for the local community.
"I believe this will be a great venue for local charities and non-profit organisations who are looking for somewhere to host an event.
"It will also encourage people to come to the church more regularly."
The church, which is a listed 19th-century building, will be closed while the work is carried out.
This means that only services will now be held in the church until building work ends.
The plans have been funded by the sale of the old church hall, and also through �30,000 of grants from both WREN and the Local Governments Youth Capital Fund.
Once redeveloped, the church will be able to accommodate 400 people, something Mr Isherwood believes will attract local non-profit organisations.
The 54-year-old of Eaton Road, Alsager, said: "It's unusual because when events are held, an organisation usually has to pay for the rent and bills that the event will cost.
"However, our church will only ask for these organisations to pay at a cost-only rate, which includes things such as heating and cleaning."
June Grocott, part of the warden's team at the church, said the church was hoping to stage concerts once the work was completed.
The 66-year-old, from Rode Heath, said: "The fact the new room will be offered to the community is important.
"We'd be offering our facilities only for the cost of the heating and lighting because we're non-profit making.
"In the future we're hoping to stage some concerts for local musicians and professional ones as well."
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