AMBITIOUS plans that will see a Hampshire church spread its wings into the 21st century and beyond are being put into action.

The Church of the Ascension in Bitterne Park, Southampton, is being extended in a huge project costing about £750,000.

The work will include an extension to provide a cafe and youth area – and the interior of the 1926 church will be split into three to provide a worship area and two halls.

Church House, a rundown building next door that has been used as an office and meeting room and the old parish hall in Lacon Close have been sold to fund the scheme.

The Rev Sarah Chapman said: “We no longer wanted three buildings that are used a few hours a week and falling into disrepair.

“When the work is finished, the church will be open and vibrant, providing a really good community facility.”

A kitchen, offices and toilets will be included in the extension. Inside the church, a glass screen will be put up in the middle of the building, separating a worship area at the front from a large and a small hall at the rear.

The church, which has the lightest ring of 12 bells in the world, will become a base for local community groups.

Mrs Chapman said: “The whole plan is designed so that you will be able to see all the windows, including the large east and west windows, from inside the church.

“Change is always difficult, but we what we will be offering will be something that’s going to be really important for the community and for the future. I am really excited about the thought of people having contact with the building in different ways.”

She is optimistic the project will boost the congregation.

“My hope is that people will come and use the community facilities and see the church, then come along to a service,” she said.

“At the moment, this is not a building that invites you in, so we hope the extension will make it a lot more welcoming.”

Project secretary Doreen Brown, a member of the congregation since she attended the Ascension’s Sunday School in the 1940s, added: “I can’t wait until it happens. It is beyond our means to keep maintaining the three buildings.”

The first stage of the work, which is expected to be completed in a year, will see a driveway and car park built behind the church with room for about 12 cars.

Four houses are being built on the site of the parish hall, and Church House will be replaced with six flats.

The last main service was held at the church last Sunday, but the 8am Sunday services will continue until further notice. The main service is now taking place at the parish’s sister church, All Hallows inWitts Hill, Midanbury.

The Christmas Eve Midnight Mass will be held at the Ascension as usual.