THE Hereford based Freedom Church sees the city’s former Odeon cinema and night club next door as a new HQ.

In a planning application to Herefordshire Council,  the Freedom Church says the site offers the “framework that we are looking for”  in re-locating from its current campus – a converted warehouse in Coningsby Street - where services now attract between 280-300 a week.

Both the cinema and nightclub (formerly Fusion) in Commercial Road have been vacant for over a year.

The Freedom Church proposes the site for a 450 seat auditorium and offices with space for Sunday services, youth work, a parent and child group, and a nursery.

Also pitched is the potential to make the site available to other community groups.

A statement accompanying the planning application says the Freedom Church is: “committed to maintaining our presence in the heart of our city and developing strong links and relationships with local businesses, other churches, voluntary organisations, schools and communities across the city”.

Founded in the county 26 years ago, the Freedom Church has experienced significant growth.

The past seven years alone have seen the establishment  of international campuses in Belgium, Uganda and Cambodia  - with two more planned in India and South Africa - to complement a presence in Swansea, Cardiff and Worcester.

The church has most recently converted a former hostel in Holme Lacy Road to add to its local property portfolio.

Planners will determine the latest application at a future date.