The Baker Street church celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and the aim is to make the venue fit for the 21st century.

The wish-list of improvements includes a new meeting room, upgraded toilets that are disabled-friendly, new office space, extra storage and the renewal of part of the roof.

The idea is to make the church more flexible and attractive to its growing number of users and the community groups based there.

One key improvement has almost been completed already – the
installation of a new kitchen.

Church treasurer Graham Daft said: "This is a big undertaking but something that is needed.

"We hope the scheme will improve the church all round for our own use and for outside users.

"It is 30 years since the foundation stone was laid. We are now moving on another generation and trying to keep the church up to date."

The project has been in the pipeline for up to two years and various ideas have been suggested, including extending the church.

But a decision has been taken to utilise the existing space better and architects have been drafted in to draw up plans, which are waiting for approval.

It is hoped the project can be completed by the summer.

Funding for the scheme includes a target of £50,000 to be raised by
church members through various initiatives.

Already a gift day, staged in January, collected a bumper total in excess of £15,000 and the coffers have been swelled further by an evening of live music featuring the bands Coffee, Nitrox and Esquire.

There is also a chance to 'Buy A Brick' for any amount starting at £1.
This is in effect the chance for congregation members to adopt a brick in the building and receive a certificate of thanks in return.

The rest of the money will come from the church itself and applications for grants.

Among the groups already using the church are the Boys Brigade, friendship and fellowship groups, an organisation launching a community allotment for Hucknall, parent and toddler groups, the Women's Institute (WI), an art group and the University of the Third Age (U3A) group.

Mr Daft added: "The use of the building by ourselves and outside users is at a level whereby the building is not meeting the demands put on it. It is very popular."

Anyone who would like to support the project is invited to call in at the church or ring Mr Daft on 0115 9539545.