CONTRACTS are due to exchanged over the sale of a community hall in Christchurch.

Priory Hall in Princess Avenue has been on the market since last summer, listed for the asking price of £700,000.

A popular meeting place for groups and committees, the building has a main hall complete with a stage and seating for 120.

It has become a central facility for community groups over the years, but according to its owners, the Priory Church, it can no longer provide the 'modern' space required by users.

It is unlikely to be kept as a hall, and was marketed as development land.

Rev Canon Charles Stewart said: "Exchange of contracts for the sale of Priory Hall is currently in progress, with the aim of completing in April. Given the sale has not yet been finalised, we cannot provide any further details at this time.

"The proceeds from the sale of Priory Hall have been earmarked as a contribution to the parish’s proposed new visitor centre, as matching funding for an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"Our aim is for the future visitor centre to be a significant community asset for the people of Christchurch, as well as providing necessary facilities for the Priory.”

In 2014, the church unveiled their plans for the new modern hall at the Priory, as part of a redevelopment project, which included a new cafe and relocated gift shop.

At the time, a spokesperson for the historic church said the sale of the Priory Hall site would give long-term income to repair and conserve the historic church.