A LANDMARK church destroyed by fire is to rise from the ashes as a restaurant and apartment complex.

The former Methodist Chapel in Maiden Street, Weymouth, will be transformed into a five-storey apartment block with a 3,500 sq ft restaurant on the ground floor, if new plans are approved.

Dorchester-based developer Project 20's planning application to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is for 15 apartments on the site.

As part of the scheme the distinctive rose window destroyed by the blaze in 2002 will be rebuilt at a cost of £700,000 to form a focal point for the building.

English Heritage and the council have been involved in the design process to make sure the chapel's historic Grade II* features are retained.

Malcolm Curtis, director of Project 21, said: "This is a real opportunity to deliver an attractive and well-designed building which will become a catalyst for regeneration in this area.

"We believe our proposals achieve the difficult balance of restoring this historic building whilst creating an innovative space that meets modern needs.

"I am confident that this project will assist in the continued revival of Weymouth town centre and I am sure Weymouth's residents share the same vision."

Mr Curtis said he was in negotiations with restaurants about using the ground floor of the building and would be talking to national chains over the coming months.

The Victorian church was reduced to a shell by a fire in July 2002.

The new building will have a mix of nine, one and two-bedroom apartments on the first and second floors and six maisonettes on the upper three floors.

Architects Co3, who converted Herrison Hospital at Charlton Down, have designed the plans.

Nicole Lafone of Co3 said: "For some time now we have been in discussion with the council's planning and building control officers along with English Heritage and local craftsmen, to find the best way to restore this historic site.

"The reconstruction of the rose window was always integral to our design as it is such a unique and revered feature.

"In addition to rebuilding the rose window and gable end, we aim to create an elegant and innovative building reflecting the sense of scale and stature of the chapel within to a contemporary design."

Project 20 won a sealed bidding process to buy the building from Weymouth Methodists last year.

The Methodists are now planning to build a new church in Melcombe Avenue.

If councillors approve the plans work on the building could start by the end of the year.