A CONGREGATION will rent its own church under plans to convert the A-listed kirk into a bar and theatre complex.

Plans have now been lodged with Glasgow City Council to create a multi-purpose community hall with bar and restaurant at Lansdowne Parish Church in Kelvinbridge.

The Four Acre Charitable Trust, which runs the Cottiers complex in another West End church, is also proposing to convert the church hall into a theatre where the congregation will continue to hold services.

FACT has already secured a £50,000 project planning grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which bosses will use to investigate the condition of Lansdowne Parish Church which is in dire need of restoration.

If planning approval is given an extension will be added to the Great Western Road kirk and church officer's house which will then be turned into a restaurant and cafe/bar with an outside seating area.

Lansdowne Church of Scotland minister Reverend Roy Henderson said the congregation was struggling to cope with mounting repair bills for the building.

He said: "It has been a major challenge for us.

"The approach by Four Acres was really welcome as it has a track record in this sort of old building and has a business plan for the whole project.

"The intention is the congregation rents space from the trust - it's an excellent solution."

David Robertson, FACT project director, said: "The building is A-listed, so we don't really want to change it that much."

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said it could be up to six months for the application to be heard.