PLANS are in place for a £500,000 revamp of Alcester's Greig Hall which will dramatically change the building's exterior.

The announcement, made last week by the centre's directors, will be the next step in extensive refurbishment of the Kinwarton Road complex.

Funding still has to be found for the work to be carried out and, following a feasibility study and condition survey, applications are being submitted to the Big Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery and the Land Fill Tax Credit Scheme.

General manager Stacy Robinson said: "The makeover would see the ceiling raised and a dome introduced to the building. We are very excited with the future project work."

The plans show the foyer will be domed, with the majority of the remaining flat roofs becoming pitched.

New windows, heating, electrics and a full internal decor change are also proposed.

Applications have to be submitted by April next year, with confirmation of capital six months later, and directors hope work on the Greig Hall should start in early 2008.

In July this year work on the £1.2 million refurbishment of the Greig was finally completed after almost 10 months of work on site.

A new health studio and leisure facilities, including a 49-station health studio, dance studio, creche, sports hall, refreshment area and multi-purpose rooms are now up and running.

The Greig is also working closely with the Alcester Male Voice Choir, Alcester Ladies Choir and Alcester Nursery on an application to the Community Buildings Lottery.

It is hoped the studio can be replaced with a £125,000 part-brick building, providing the community groups with a permanent home.

Mr Robinson added: "We are delighted that our user groups are having an input into the Greig's future.

"Among others, Christian Renewal, our church group, recently decorated the Greig lounge and Friends of the Greig, headed by John Bond Evans, are instrumental in organising the Cuckoo Club at the Greig Hall."

Other plans in place include transforming the Thistle bar into a coffee bar during the day and a themed bar in the evening.

"We want to prove the Greig is a true community facility," said Mr Robinson.