Scheme to convert disused church

Work to convert St Lawrence's could be completed by 2008

A £1.1m scheme to convert a disused historic town centre church into a community centre has been backed by councillors in Ipswich.

Ipswich Borough Council is to invite companies to tender for the project to convert St Lawrence's church, which stopped being used in 1981.

The church will be turned into a meeting venue for people in Ipswich.

The work is being funded by the council and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Ipswich councillor Judy Terry, the borough's arts, culture and leisure portfolio-holder, said: "This is a big step forward for this landmark project and we look forward to meeting the needs of all kinds of community groups, including those representing older people.

"There is scope here for everyone to join in and we invite them all to get involved and help us establish a successful independent management board."

Tenders will be sought during June and work is scheduled to get under way in early August and be completed by early 2008.