Murston Old Church has stood empty for decades. Now it’s hoped a project to transform it into a community arts centre will breathe new life into the disused and decaying building.

Colin Barnard and Sioux Peto, owner and manager of Teynham’s Polka Dot Art Centre and Swale Arts Forum committee members, came up with the idea to transform the late 12th, early 13th century site into a gallery in 2010.

Their vision is for the overgrown churchyard, just off Stadium Way, to be landscaped into a sculpture garden featuring new pathways and an outdoor performance area.

There will also be a new building in the grounds to provide studio space, offices, toilets, a cafe and a room for educational workshops.

It’s estimated more than £430,000 is needed to build the facility and renovate the church with funding hopefully coming from The Big Lottery.

English Heritage will need to approve any work as it is classified as an ancient monument as well as being on its at-risk register. Archaeology and wildlife surveys must also be completed.

Thanks to a grant of £15,000 from English Heritage, plans have already been drawn up.

Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy has also been appointed to put a business case together on behalf of Colin and Sioux.

As part of that work, members of the public are invited to attend a workshop to discuss the results of a consultation so far about the future of the church.

It will be held at Woodcombe Sports and Social Club, Church Road, Sittingbourne, between 10am and 2pm on Friday, October 11.

Once up and running, hopefully within the next two years, income will be generated through rent for studio and gallery space, revenue from the cafe and commission from the sale of artwork.

After paying ground rent, operational costs and providing a salary for a part-time centre manager, profits will be used to keep the church in good repair.

Colin described the site as “a little green oasis in a concrete and steel jungle”.

He said: “It’s a project we’ve been working on for three years and there’s still a long way to go but things are progressing nicely.

“Sittingbourne lacks a community art centre and this is an important, ancient church that needs restoring and preserving for future generations.”

To register for the workshop, email laura@tfconsultancy.co.uk