CHURCH leaders have unveiled grand plans to revamp the Plaza Centre.

Southend Christian Fellowship wants to upgrade the former Plaza cinema, where it holds services, concerts and community activities, on the corner of Southchurch Road and Lovelace Avenue, Southend.

The plan will provide better facilities for the growing congregation.

Work on the impressive Twenties dome would involve stripping copper sheeting and replacing it with fake lead, to deter thieves, and replacing an original clock.

The renovations would also expand and improve the premises and its community cafe.

Paul Martin, the facilities manager, said: “Our numbers are growing and the work is planned to expand and improve what we already have.

“This means extending the community cafe to increase seating and improving disabled access.”

He said the copper needed replacing because insurance companies are now unlikely to provide cover if the sought-after metal was in place.

If a planning application is approved by Southend Council the main entrance would be altered as the existing ramps and steps encroach on seating areas.

A statement submitted with the application said: “The proposal is to provide a new glazed opening with an automatic sliding door. Two offices are to be demolished and relocated to enable a new ramp for wheelchair and pram users to access the main floor level.”

Existing signs for the church beneath the dome would be replaced with individual three dimensional aluminium lettering and new signs would go above the main entrance.

Copper sheets on the dome would be replaced by imitation lead. The clock at the north-west side of the dome is to be reinstated.

New double glazing is also planned across the building as well as new extractor fans.

Mr Martin said the work had yet to be priced and this would be done if planning permission was approved.