YOUNG people in Herefordshire will be the central focus of a £325,000 plan to turn a city centre church into a support centre.

Once the coronavirus lockdown is further eased, the Diocese of Hereford has agreed plans to establish a city centre hub church with a focus on young people and young adults, supporting mental health and wellbeing.

St Peter's Church, near High Town, was awarded a local Church of England investment of £325,000 as part of the new project, which the diocese said will reimagine how it works.

The focus will be on supporting students across the city, including those from Hereford's new university NMITE, and working alongside skilled youth workers.

The local plan was backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby when he visited Hereford last October. The Diocese, in partnership with the existing congregation of St Peter and St James' churches in Hereford, decided to press ahead with plans.

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson who was installed in his role as the Bishop of Hereford, just before lockdown said: "This is an exciting time for the Church of England in Hereford.

"Recent research from Tearfund UK, highlighted that at least 25% of young people have engaged with online worship during lockdown.

"As society begins to return to work, we felt now was the time to invest to welcome the young people of our city.We are passionate about proclaiming the good news of Jesus through our words and our actions. I'm thrilled with our plans for Hereford city centre.

"They demonstrate our commitment to the heart of need in the city, recognising the massive potential we offer to support young people and children.

"This project is an example of how church is adapting and remaining faithful to God – and faithful to the community we serve in love and mission.

"This new investment signals that The Church of England committed to innovation even in rural locations. We want to make the message of Jesus Christ connect with peoples' questions, showing its relevance to those struggling with mental health or unsure of faith."

The Diocese added the decision coincides with lockdown measures across England easing to allow religious buildings to reopen for individual prayer.

Revd Andy Morgan, team vicar from St Peter's Church, said: "Despite our church buildings remaining mainly closed at present, we know that they will offer an important part of recovery.

"Hereford has an estimated 25,000 young people living and studying in the city, with the pressures they face we believe the Church has a vital role to play in offering support and forming new communities based on the transforming power of God's love.

"We hope this project will create a new worshipping community in the heart of the city as well as providing a hands on learning and training environment to equip more people as Christian leaders at all levels for the 21 Century."