Birmingham church to become community centre
A Birmingham church is to be turned into a community centre to give it a new lease of life.
St Margaret's Church, in St Margaret's Road, Ward End, has been awarded a grant of £300,000 by The Veolia Environmental Trust.
The building will now be renovated to become a community hub where different groups can meet and hold activities.
Regular public worship at the church ceased in 2005 and since then the building and yard have deteriorated.
'Much needed venue'
The Reverend Simon Cartwright, the assistant minister at St Margaret's Church, said: "It is great that we are able to breathe new life into this old church building to meet the needs of all members of our community."
As well as refurbishing the building, new facilities will be created including offices and meeting rooms.
Margaret Cobbold, executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, said: "This scheme will create a much needed venue for a wide range of community initiatives and activities.
"We look forward to working with the team at St Margaret's so that their project realises its full potential and makes a real difference to people's lives and the community."