THE first phase of an exciting new project to transform two church buildings in Nailsea into a community hub has almost been completed.

Renovation work on the old rectory at Holy Trinity Church is due to be finished next month, which will mean more meeting places for community groups and youth groups as well as function rooms to hire out for meetings.

The renovation is part of a �1.3million project to refurbish the old rectory and Trinity Centre.

Church administrator, Rob Norman, said: “We are completely refurbishing the old rectory, which we bought a year ago.

“It’s going to be used as a base for our staff team, the children’s, youth and family worker and clergy as well as a parish office.

“It also has a big space which will be available to use by youth groups and children’s groups, as well as function rooms for community use and training.

“There will also be a self-contained flat which will be available as low-cost housing for people who need somewhere to rent.”

The second phase of the project, to refurbish the Trinity Centre, is due to begin in the new year and will hopefully be finished by this time next year.

The Trinity Centre is going to be transformed into a second worship area to cater for the growing congregation, as well as a coffee and lounge area and two more meeting rooms, which will be open to the public.

Mr Norman said: “We hope to provide more sessions for mums and their children because there’s a preschool, junior school and infant school nearby.

“We gave quite a big sum of money to the Tithe Barn and we are hoping this quarter will become a community hub with the barn, our new rectory and centre.

“We hope there will be quite a buzz round here and we’re looking forward to working with the Tithe Barn.”

The church still needs to raise �250,000 to complete the final phase.

Anyone interested in donating to the project can pop into the church office in Church Lane or email welcome@htnailsea.org.uk