A PRECIOUS Pugin-designed church saved from demolition at the 11th hour, is to be preserved and turned into a vibrant community resource, after lying empty for five years.

Halton and St Helens Voluntary Action has won a Heritage Lottery Grant to transform St Marie’s Catholic Church in Lugsdale Road, Widnes, into their new Halton home.

Sally Yeoman, chief executive said: “It is hugely exciting.

“This church was designed by the same architect as the iconic Houses of Parliament.

“The altar, statues and organ are listed and will be kept intact.

“A lot of glass will be used to complement the hugely ornate statues.

“It is not going to be a church but we want to make it a peaceful haven people can use for contemplation and prayer.”

The first phase of an £800,000 grant has been released to enable the charity to develop the conservation plans.

Ms Yeoman said: “We want to hear from people who previously used the church, families who married there or had their babies baptised.

“We want them to help us shape the way we take this development forward.

“We are including a whole range of heritage activities to bring the church back into use.

“We hope this will become a community hub used by local groups as well as ourselves.”

John Parle, managing director of Widnes developer Morbaine, who are offering architectural advice, said: “Inside it is absolutely fabulous.

“Heritage Lottery Funding of £800,000 has been approved which, along with other funding, could reach £1.3 million.”