A MULTI-MILLION extension to a Hampshire church will start next year, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Locks Heath Free Church based in Locks Heath near Fareham has raised the most of the money it needs construct a new £4.65m extension following a funding boost.

The Allchurches Trust, a UK charity that seeks to promote the Christian religion has awarded the church a grant of £46,500 towards the project while Fareham Borough Council gave £40,000 from it’s community fund.

Under the churches plans, which is entirely self-funded, the project will involve the construction of a new auditorium and car park which will allow the church to accommodate 800-1,000 worshippers to come through the doors every week.

Paul Playford, Grant Officer at the Allchurches Trust said: “We are delighted to have supported this exciting project at Locks Heath Free Church.

“It is clear that the building project at the church will enable them to grow and develop the great work they are already doing in their community.”

Planning permission for the scheme was secured in 2014 but the group has been fundraising for ten years to make the project a reality mainly through donations by the church community.

Mark Madavan, senior minister of the church said: “We have been trying to create more space so we cannot turn community groups away.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride to see anything built but are really excited that the dream finally becomes a reality next year.

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council said: “I congratulate Locks Heath free church on their achievement in bringing forward a fantastic community building for the local area.” and the council’s £40,000 to buy a community use of that facility represents excellent value for money.”

Locks Heath Free Church was founded 113 years ago as Locks Heath congregational church and moved to it’s present site on Hunts Pond Road in 1989.

The church offers clubs and activities for primary school children ranging from crafts to sports as well as offering parenting and marriage preparation and enrichment classes.

Construction on the extension is expected to start in March.