PLANS have been launched to turn a dilapidated Grade-II church in Torfaen into a community hub.

St Thomas’s Church, a former parish in Talywain, could be transformed from a redundant eyesore into a “self-sustaining asset to the area” – if the idea is given the go ahead, say the owners.

A leaflet seeking regional support suggests it could house a community café, meeting space, heritage centre, and ecology area – as well as four two-storey maisonettes at the front of the building, which was built at the height of the Industrial Revolution in 1831 and closed in 1995.

Property developer Kevin Dorrington and his wife Rhiannon are behind the project.

They say a community cinema could also be incorporated at the site – set within one acre of graveyard – and that it would support the nearby Blaenavon World Heritage Site.

“The Saint Tom’s project seeks to develop an almost unique community facility,” Mr Dorrington said.

“It will have the ability to pay for itself, and due to the wide range of uses for the building and surrounding land, would be able to support other community projects.”

He said the site would serve a range of functions.

“The restoration and installation of information panels would create an area important for local school children, as well as heritage enthusiasts from the local area and visitors,” added the Newport resident.

“The graveyard will be segmented and include a small car park to encourage less able-bodied people, as well as ecology areas and an outside dining area.”

The proposal is yet to receive planning permission from Torfaen council.

Further information on the proposals can be found on Facebook by searching for Friends of St Thomas’s Talywain.