WE’RE bringing the church back into the heart of the community.”

Those are the words of volunteers who have revamped Poole High Street’s landmark church into a lively centre for all.

And six years after plans for the redevelopment were revealed, the Methodist Church, build in 1878, is officially on its way to that goal.

The church – now called The Spire – boasts a new cafe as part of the changes, which are taking place in three stages, and include an extension and community meeting rooms.

Pete Smith, who is the project manager for the building, said: “What we keep putting forward is the idea of going back in time 100 years when the church was at the very centre of the community.

“It is sad to say that sometimes it feels as if some churches have lost their way, and we need to get back to that.”

He said Wesley’s Cafe currently has space for 60 people, and staff sometimes have to turn away those wanting to come in for coffee and cake.

“It’s been a big success, which is brilliant,” he said.

“We have space for children to play. The aim is to get people through the door, whether they attend a church or not. All are welcome.”

Plans for the project began when a large section of plaster fell from a high wall in 2009.

And extensive redevelopment of the church and its rear halls in the original chapel building, which dates from 1793, is still underway.

The country's most senior Methodist, the Rev Kenneth Howcroft, president of the Methodist Conference, and vice-president Gill Dascombe, visited the church on Saturday to view the results of the changes.

Mr Howcroft said: “It’s been really wonderful to visit this church and see this interesting and important development taking place.

“We care deeply about serving our communities and creating a relationship between people who might not attend church and the churches themselves.”

He added: “Throughout our history, we have been at our best when we have reinvented ourselves to meet the changing needs of communities.

“I think that is what’s happening here in Poole.”