Work has started to makeover a derelict church, which could be destined to house 16 new homes, or a new town centre hotel.

The former St Columba United Reformed Church is a prominent figure in Dover High Street, at the junction with Priory Hill.

It was originally built in 1904 but closed in 2003 when its congregation joined with members of the two Methodist churches in London Road and Tower Hamlets, to form The Beacon Church on its London Road site.

Four years later it was subject to a fire.

It was put up for auction in 2021 with land and property auctioneers Clive Emson, with guide price of £450,000 to £500,000 and having already attained planning permission to be converted into 16 homes.

Earlier this year, the guide price was dropped to £250,000.

It has now been taken on by brothers Kanaksingh Dodia and Narendar Dodia, who purchased it after the auction.

The brothers run two businesses together - an IT consultancy company and properly development business.

Kanaksingh Dodia, from Beaver Road, South Ashford, said: "We used to work near the church and thought it was a shame that it had deteriorated.

"We saw it at the auction and thought it was a beautiful building.

"It has outstanding character and it is a shame to see it in that state."

Work to clear the site is currently ongoing, with hoardings surrounding the venue.

And while it has permission already to be transformed into 16 flats, Mr Dodia hasn't ruled out other potential developments.

He added: "One idea is to ask for change of use and turn it into a hotel. But right now my aim is just to finish the project.

"It is an eyesore, but I want to change that and turn it into something that makes you go 'wow'.

"We want to preserve the look from the outside. But will be adding more windows to make sure more light can come through.

"We're hoping to finish by next summer."

Mr Dodia, who is married with one child says he is fond of the town.

He said: "We like to visit Dover.

"We go to the beach with my son and throw stones in the water."

Mr Dodia added that there is a lot of firewood left on site, and would be happy if someone wanted to collect it.

He added: "It would be a shame to throw it away."

If you would like any wood, call Mr Dodia on 07886742510 to make arrangements.