CONSTRUCTION is set to start on a new £500,000 church in the centre of Oswaldtwistle.

After more than a decade in the pipeline The Christian Institute, also known as the Melbourne Street Church, has appointed builders to construct the church in Union Road.

The site is just metres from the original chapel built 106 years ago in John Street.

The building, which will match the town's predominantly stone built, slate roofed buildings, is due to open in March 2009.

Members of the congregation began fundraising for the church in 2003.

And trustee of the church, Chris Brindle, said they were coming to the end of a ‘very, very long journey.’ Mr Brindle said: “It is really exciting.

“The new building is significant because it is unusual to have church in a town centre but a lot of people know the church and have family who come to it.”

Planning permission for the church was granted last year by Hyndburn Council.

The Christian Institute bought the derelict site in Union Road for £75,000 11 years ago.

In 2006 it sold the original site of the church in Melboure Street.

Members of the congregation currently rent Harvey Street Youth And Community Centre, Harvey Street, for services and children and youth activities.

The Union Road site will cater for more than 200 people.

Melbourne Street Church had a capacity of 70 people and Harvey Street Youth And Community Centre has room for up to 80 people.

Last month, Hyndburn Council approved plans to demolish the Melbourne Street church, with four three-bedroomed houses being built in its place.