AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop a busy Rubery church have been unveiled and support is needed to raise the final £50,000 for the £300,000 project.

The Beacon Church Centre, in Whetty Lane, is gearing up for a major transformation thanks to cash raised from the sale of land at the rear of the premises.

The site was sold to housing developers and now worshippers plan to use the cash to modernise the church hall and build a link to the main church building.

The main building was constructed 75 years ago, while the hall was built around 35 years ago when a fire destroyed the original schoolroom

Many internal facilities will also be upgraded to modern standards and to comply with the requirements of the new Disability Act, due to come into force in 2004.

Church elder Jim Richardson said: "We want to make the buildings more user friendly and I hope we can improve facilities, including the toilets and kitchen."

The Christian centre is at the heart of the village and has a strong congregation and provides a base for many Rubery clubs and organisations.

Beacon minister, the Rev Ian Ring, is excited about the possibilities that the revamp will bring to the congregation and the wider community.

"We see ourselves as a community church and are anxious to extend our links with people and organisations."

Initiative

"This is a major initiative on our part and we look forward to support and encouragement from people in Rubery and the district," he added.

The project is expected to cost £300,000, of which £250,000 has already been raised.

An appeal for the remaining funds was launched last Sunday. Look out for news of the fundraising events in the Advertiser/Messenger.