PLANS to make a raft of improvements to a landmark church in the centre of a Hampshire town have been unveiled.

The Diocese of Winchester has applied for permission to transform the Grade II-listed St Winfrid's Church, which has stood empty for two years.

The condition of the 83-year-old building in Salisbury Road, Totton, has resulted in parishioners having to hold services at AFC Totton.

Now New Forest District Council is being asked to approve proposals to make St Winfrid's church fit for purpose by "revitalising" the building and making better use of the space.

Plans include a cafe, a "bespoke" stage and new external lighting. Two arches at the front will be in-filled with high quality glazing.

A design and access statement that accompanies the application says the outside of the church has hardly changed since it was built in the late 1930s.

It adds: "St Winfrid's has fallen into a degree of disrepair. A programme to restore the roofing and windows has recently been completed but the lack of a fully functioning heating system has resulted in the worshipping community meeting in an alternative venue.

"In order to develop St Winfrid's the Diocese has appointed Snug Architects to prepare a masterplan for the site."

Proposals include the removal of a concrete font that occupies a large area of the nave floor, using up valuable seating space and limiting flexibility.

"The font has also been identified as a health and safety risk following instances where two parishioners have broken bones as a result of tripping over the font.

"The revitalisation of St Winfrid's will assist the Diocese in achieving their mission of reinvigorating ministry and mission, creating a strong, growing, outward-looking, vibrant worshipping community in the centre of Totton."

St Winfrid's, which was completed in 1937, was designed by the renowned architect Nugent Cachemaille-Day.

A church spokesperson said: "It's one of the few examples of his work in the south of England and is characterised by large sweeping arches internally, in striking contrast to the angular lines of its exterior.

"When built it was known as the ‘theatre’ church because of the very large worship space, balconies and excellent acoustics."