ONE of the oldest churches in Southampton is to get a major makeover which will preserve it for future generations.

Parishioners of the historic St Mary’s Church at South Stoneham have launched a once-in-a-generation restoration project, which will take two years to complete at an estimated cost of over £150,000.

The 900-year-old Grade I listed church, which is in the parish of Swaythling, and the adjoining community hall are to be restored and modernised.

The Vicar of Swaythling, the Rev Gary Philbrick, pictured right, said: “It’s one of the two oldest churches in the area, a little gem, one of Southampton’s best kept secrets.

“It has been maintained by succeeding generations and now it is our turn to do a major restoration of the building so it can be preserved for the future.”

The work is needed to correct mistakes made during a previous restoration effort 100 years ago, when Victorian builders repointed the medieval stonework.

The use of cement-based mortar has caused the stonework to crack, causing damp, and must be replaced with a lime-based equivalent. The restoration will begin with the west tower, the roof, the boiler room and the damaged stonework.

Once the ancient building has dried out, which could take up to two years, redecoration will begin, costing up to £20,000.

The 50-year old community hall will be modernised with access ramps, insulation and energy conserving windows, at a further cost of £50,000.

Mr Philbrick said: “We aim to contribute a smaller carbon footprint and save money at the same time. We’re trying to make sure we can use the building for its current purposes, while keeping its history and future in mind.”

St Mary’s Parish Church Council is hoping to clinch funding from national grants, but they won’t cover the whole cost. Mr Philbrick said: “We’ll be looking at holding fundraising events and setting up a local appeal once we know the level of funding we will receive.”