A church is being redeveloped in one of many events to celebrate its centenary.

Initial plans have been drawn up for St Gabriel’s Church, in Aldersbrook Road, and put to churchgoers and wider members of the community.

Architects will now consult with Redbridge council and the church authorities to obtain their views.

The Grade II listed building recently had major works carried out on repairing the church roof.

It is a ‘grass roots development’ with architects and designers taken directly from churchgoing base, as well as visitor input.

Information on the project was handed out at the St. Gabriel’s Flower Festival last weekend.

Questionnaires handed out, invited feedback into the designs planned, and room for the input of new ideas.

Richard Pratley, architect and churchgoer, said: “The community are the fabric of the hall”

“We are designing this new hall to be beneficial to all, so our buildings can be enjoyed over the next 100 years aswell.”

Some of the money will come from the churches ‘general fund’ which is raised by community activities, however, Mr Pratley, 67 of Blakehall Crescent, warns: “You’re not going to fund this [project] by selling jam, we will need grants aswell.”

In order to get grants, either charitable or from the council, they will have to provide a wider range of facilities to a larger section of the community.

The hall is currently used for a range of activities including; Scouts, a Karate club and badminton classes but this would need to be expanded.

The church was recently visited by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Chelmsford for the Centenary service on the 18th May.