THE congregation of a Clevedon church will soon be on the move in preparation for a huge refurbishment project at their place of worship.

Next month, work is expected to begin to clear out the interior of Christchurch in Chapel Hill before contractors move in to start a �1.5million scheme that will see state-of-the-art community facilities created.

While this takes place, from June 13 the normal Sunday worship, youth and childrens’ groups will be held at St Nicholas Chantry Primary School in Highdale Avenue.

Regeneration project chairman Hugh Stebbing said: “This move to temporary accommodation marks another important step in our plans to equip Christchurch as a place of worship and community support for years into the future.

“Our proposals recognise the growth we’ve already seen in our involvement with Clevedon and the surrounding region and will provide for a range of additional functions and uses for the church and new hall complex.

“While work takes place on site, Christchurch will continue to flourish.”

In preparation for the work to begin, the church has already began selling the current smaller pews to members of the public at �175 each and will also sell the larger pews and other items of furniture at a later date.

The proposals for the regeneration, which were approved in October, will include demolishing the existing hall and rooms behind the church and building two new extensions to house a new hall, offices and a kitchen.

The interior of the church will also be refurbished, the pews removed and an improved IT and sound system installed.

Contractors are expected to begin the building work in August with a target completion date a year after.

The church has almost reached its fund-raising target for the project through the diocese, grants and community activities. A gift day also saw members of the public pledge more than �50,000 toward the scheme.

* Anyone interested in buying a pew can contact Hugh on 01275 872683 or by emailing christineandhugh@gmail.com