A MAJOR £5 million project is set to transform a landmark town-centre building.

The Project Beacon initiative will see the redevelopment of St Andrew's Church, and its adjacent hall.

Aim of the venture is to massively improve facilities for worship at the Church Green site, but also create a thriving venue for community and social activities.

More details of the scheme have been unveiled following the adoption of a preferred concept design.

A new entrance would be created to the left of the existing tower and a matching structure on the right, plus the hall would be extended and connected to the main church building via an enclosed area.

Internal alterations to the church will include a new spiral staircase to the balcony, which will also have lift access and increased seating.

And on the ground floor there will be a toilets suite, storage areas and improvements to lighting, heating and the sound system.

The hall will feature a range of improvements, including up to four community rooms – all with sound-proof bi-fold doors, allowing for one large space to be created – and a fully-equipped kitchen. Solar panels will be installed.

Greg Thomson – chair of the Church on the Green Neighbourhood Foundation, the charity established to oversee the redevelopment – says a display of the proposals in the Airedale Shopping Centre had attracted largely positive feedback.

"We had conversations with over 150 people – most of whom completed a survey," he says.

"Overwhelmingly, people saw it as something potentially really good happening in Keighley – whether that be as a place for Christian worship with massively improved facilities, or as a venue for social and community activity.

"We, the trustees and steering group, see it as a gift to the people of the town – not just for this decade, but into the next century.

"We've known from the early days of our journey that Project Beacon should be a symbol of light, love and hope. Part of that will be embodied in the new illuminated 'beacon' entrance facing along North Street.

"Bradford Council's planning department has seen the concept design, and has raised no major questions or concerns."

It's hoped a full planning application will be submitted by the end of this year.

Once that is decided, fundraising efforts can begin in earnest.

"It will be a massive undertaking – we are challenged but not put off by the thought of having to raise £5m," says Greg.

"Relatively small-scale fundraising has already begun and through the generosity of a number of local people, £100,000 has been donated to cover the necessary fees incurred so far.

"Until March 31 next year, we are a running a market place fundraiser. This is where individuals or groups can organise an event or events. To date, a mountain of the best fruit jams in Keighley has been sold; high-class Christmas cards with artwork by several members of the St Andrew's congregation are now on sale at £2.50 per pack of five, and they can be purchased at noon on Sundays after the morning service; a sponsored jump out of an aircraft is planned next spring; a two-session workshop for people who want to write a story will take place in the new year, and lots more events are at the thinking and planning stage."

More about the project can be found at churchonthegreen.uk

Donations can be made to the Church on the Green Neighbourhood Foundation account – sort code 089299, account number 67236192. The foundation's registered charity number is 1192717.