DERELICT buildings around one of Worcester's most impressive churches could be transformed into a public hall and piazza.

St George's Roman Catholic Church in Lowesmoor wants to add a 200-capacity circular hall beside the Grade II* listed building.

The church attracts up to 800 parishioners - the parish stretches from Claines to Kempsey and east to Inkberrow - and more up-to-date buildings are needed to accommodate them.

"The parish hall is condemned because of its electrics and most of the buildings are decrepit and in a terrible state," said parish priest Father Paul Fitzpatrick.

"We want proper facilities not just for the parish but for the local community. We are looking into the possibility of community groups, Alcoholics Anonymous and the like, to be able to use this as well."

As part of the scheme - submitted to the city council for planning permission - the Moran function room behind the presbytery, disused infants school, classrooms, scout hut and parish hall will be destroyed.

In their place would be four meeting rooms, a kitchen and 59 parking spaces - as well as the hall and piazza. Shop fronts close to the church would also be refurbished.

"St George's is one the very best buildings in the city," said Vincent Kirk, the project director from Panton Sargent, the Worcester architects behind the scheme.

"This a great opportunity to improve the setting of the church and turn the corner from Sansome Street to Lowesmoor with an attractive modern building."

Peter Yates, the planning manager at the city council, said the innovative design raised "complicated" planning issues.

"The feeling at this stage is that in principle we cannot object to some sort of development on that site but we do need to have a very careful look at the detail of it," he explained.

"Our main focus will be on the design in such a public place and in relation to the character of the church."

The application could be considered by the planning committee before the end of the year.