A church in Weymouth is set to close and the site sold off.

Church leaders have decided to close St Nicholas Church on Buxton Road.

The congregation is being offered a base for worship at the nearby Gracewell care home.

The move, part of the church council’s bid to focus initiatives nearer the town centre, comes after consultation with church members.

St Nicholas, opened in 1964 by the Bishop of Salisbury, is part of the Church of England parish of Holy Trinity.

Canon Andrew Gough of Holy Trinity with St Nicholas Parochial Church Council, said: “After much consultation and debate the church council unanimously agreed that it needed to think about its Christian priorities for the future. As a Church of England parish in this part of Weymouth it was agreed that we needed to focus on new initiatives nearer to the town centre at Holy Trinity.”

Rev Gough said the church was quite cold, and its facilities were not often used by the congregation. He said the building was decaying and the church could not afford to keep it running.

He added: “It is always sad when you have to make the decision to close a place of worship.

“We will come out of it with hope for the future as we move our presence closer to the town centre, where we can be proactive.”

He said: “Thanks to the generosity of the Gracewell, we will still be able to keep our Church of England presence at this end of the parish. The small St Nicholas membership will relocate to Gracewell on the third Sunday of each month and each Wednesday at 10am. We will continue to have our communion services as usual and this will be an opportunity for Gracewell members to join us. But as usual all are invited to all of our services.”

The final service at St Nicholas will take place on Sunday, March 4 after which the church will close its doors for good and the site will be sold.

According to Gracewell, a number of members of the local congregation have already expressed an interest in joining the home to enjoy the services at the new location, alongside residents.

After each service the home will be laying on some refreshments including tea, coffee and cake for service goers to enjoy, offering a great opportunity for residents and guests to meet and socialise.

Rodelyn Thompson, Gracewell of Weymouth general manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to help support the local community by hosting these services. Our residents and team members are really excited to have the service in their home.” and love to welcome new guests to Gracewell of Weymouth.”

“Vicar Andrew is really looking forward to the new location and we are all really thrilled that there will be more singing in the home. Anyone is welcome to join – so do feel free to come and enjoy the service with us.”