WORK is progressing on a £1.2m project that will see Catholics in Wey-mouth worshipping under one roof.

In some of the most important changes affecting the church community for decades, St Joseph’s Church in Stavordale Road – whose iconic tower has been a feature of the Weymouth skyline for more than 70 years – is being refurbished and expanded.

Under the proposed new name of Our Lady Star of the Sea, the bigger church will become the only place of worship for Catholics in Weymouth and Portland.

When it is ready, the doors will finally close at St Augustine’s Church, Lodmoor. Discussions are ongoing about what to do with St Augustine’s when it ceases to become a place of worship.

It was built in 1835 and is a Grade II-listed building. The church is being used for services while St Joseph’s is remodelled.

Parish priest Father Stephen Geddes said it was an exciting time. But he is aware of people’s feelings about the loss of St Augustine’s and says the parish will do all it can to make the transition smooth as possible.

Recent years have seen the closure of local mass centres and Our Lady and St Andrew’s on Portland. St Joseph’s and St Augustine’s then merged to form Our Lady Star of the Sea parish.

The original plan was to knock down St Joseph’s and build a new church but the building was listed.

Fr Geddes said: “This is part of a diocesan reorganisation due in part to a reduction in the amount of clergy.

“Ten years ago there were four of five priests locally, now there’s only me.

“We looked at how parishioners could be looked after and brought under one roof.

“When St Joseph’s was built the intention was that it would accommodate all of Wey-mouth. So what we’re doing now is what should’ve happened 70 years ago.”

St Joseph’s is being made wider and there will be new floor heating and refurbished tower. A new two-storey hall is also being constructed.

The £1.2m to finance the work has been raised by the parish and the church is expected to open in April or May.

Fr Geddes added: “We chose St Joseph’s because there’s room for expansion.

“The hall at St Augustine’s will continue to be used by the community but the church will be out of use. There are genuine feelings attached to St Augustine’s and there’s sadness it will be closed.

Fr Geddes said St Joseph’s was more central, on bus routes and near car parks.

To make St Augustine’s parishioners feel ‘at home’ the altar and various statues will be brought over.

He added: “This plan has been discussed by the parish and agreed by the bishop.

“We have had to respond to needs and circumstances.”