A community hub and café have been built within Marlow Methodist Church.

The place of worship, which is based on Spittal Street, will see the café be situated in the new rotunda at the front of the building.

It will be open five days a week, providing hospitality and meeting spaces.

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However, despite the changes to the church, it was confirmed that the building’s Art Nouveau stained glass will not be touched, and that Sunday services will continue under the current Covid-19 guidelines.

Project leader, David Duxbury, who has spearheaded the project from its inception three years ago, said: “This is an exciting project and we have seen it develop from the concept stage to the point where building work can begin.

“Everyone involved has worked very hard, not least the fund-raising team who have made it all possible.

“We have received many generous grants and donations and we are very grateful to everyone who has helped in this way.”

Minister and Superintendent of the High Wycombe District of the Methodist Church, Rev Nick Thompson said: “Any building of this age has its needs and over the decades' generations have made changes and improved different aspects.

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“Now we have the opportunity to release the potential of the building to help us in our aims to be a people who are ever more outward-looking and welcoming.

“We would like to give everyone in the local community a building that meets their needs and creates a real sense of belonging.”

Oxford-based architects, Leap Design, were commissioned to make the changes to the church.