The minister of Gorse Hill Baptist Church believes a new £400,000 extension to the building will help revitalise the community.

The Rev Paul Knight expects the new building to become a hive of activity after its official opening next weekend.

All sorts of community schemes, including youth groups, initiatives for older people, disabled people's clubs and dance groups, are expected to take up residency at the Cricklade Road church.

The new building, built on a car park which used to be the site of a derelict toilet block, boasts a suite of eight rooms, easy access for the disabled and under-floor heating.

Paid for with church funds, it has taken eight months to build and people are queuing up to use the facilities.

The minister said: "This development is really about the people of the church engaging with the community in a fresh and exciting way.

"For some time we've been looking at what we can do to help revitalise the Gorse Hill area and we believe this will achieve that.

"There are all sorts of possibilities for this building. We already have a Weight Watchers group and dance groups there and it could also be used to provide care facilities for older people or childcare facilities."

The long-term plan is to appoint an on-site manager to oversee the day to day running.

Office suites are hoped to generate cash which will help pay back the money spent on the building.

The development will open in a weekend of celebration on November 25 and 26.

On the Saturday there will be an exhibition and displays. At 11am, Swindon Mayor Coun Arthur Archer and Swindon Council leader Sue Bates will cut the tape before a special dedication service.

There will also be a buffet, children's party and concert on Saturday and a host of other activities throughout the day on Sunday.