A �1.3MILLION project to bring a historic Clevedon church sympathetically into the modern day is nearing completion.

Workmen have been at Christchurch in Chapel Hill for more than a year creating a new extension as well as refurbishing the main building.

With the aim of providing new modern facilities for the whole community, the scheme has seen a new hall, offices and kitchen created at the rear.

The interior of the church has been refurbished, the old pews removed and an improved IT and sound system installed to create an ideal venue for performances. New entrances to the church have also been installed to fit in with the building’s original features.

Since the work began, the congregation has been meeting at St Nicholas Chantry Primary School in nearby Highdale Avenue. However, on November 4, they will return for their first official service in the revamped Christchurch.

Many of the community groups which used the facilities before work began also plan to return.

Regeneration project chairman Hugh Stebbing said: “We have already had interest from new groups wanting to hold sessions here too.

“That gives the building a much better community dimension which we were hoping for.

“We now have the room and the facilities to allow different activities to be going on simultaneously, which is terrific.

“The church is a fantastic area now and the new main hall is spectacular.

“For me, it is the way the whole place looks, feels and works as a single entity which is great.

“The folk in the church have been hugely supportive, financially and in other ways.

“There is a real sense that they have been involved in the whole project.

“We are also very appreciative of the contributions which have come from a number of charitable trusts.”

* The first official service at Christchurch will take place at 10.30am on November 4, followed by an open afternoon giving the public the chance to take a look at the new facilities before a celebration evening service takes place at 6.30pm.