A landmark Woking church is set for a major makeover, with a new community centre extension now moving a step closer to reality.

The first phase of work at Grade II-listed Christ Church can now move ahead, with plans to extend and refurbish its Youth and Community Centre.

The centre is used throughout the week by young people, families, church groups and community organisations.

The Rev Adrian Beavis, vicar of Christ Church Woking, said the project was a “significant step” in bringing the plans forward.

“The Youth and Community Centre is a central part of our work with young people, families and community groups in Woking, and the building is used by a wide range of people throughout the week,” he said. “These improvements will help us make better use of the space, support more activities and provide facilities that meet the needs of the church and wider community for the foreseeable future.”

The work forms the first phase of a much wider redevelopment, for which the church was originally granted planning permission in 2020.

The plans are now being delivered in stages, with the first phase focusing on the Youth and Community Centre.

There has also been a change to the look of the proposed extension.

The original plans featured a terracotta façade, but this has now been replaced with a red-brick design intended to complement the existing church.

Nick Kirby, planning director at planning and development consultancy Lichfields, said the church was a “prominent listed building” in the centre of Woking.

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“We are pleased to have assisted the Church deliver its plans alongside respecting and enhancing the site’s character and setting,” he said. “This is a good example of how careful planning work can help valued community buildings adapt without losing what makes them important.”