Ambitious plans to revamp grade-one listed Halesowen Parish Church to bring it back into the heart of Halesowen have been announced.

Proposals could see a major redevelopment taking place, with changes to the Queensway road to link the ancient 1,000-year-old church with the town centre.

The plan is designed to coincide with the town's £25 million regeneration, which will see the Cornbow Centre given a makeover, an Asda superstore built and bus station improvements.

Ideas on the table include the creation of a concert hall so the entire community could benefit, and changes to the sprawling church grounds.

A group called Vision 2020 has been set up to discuss plans which are in their infancy - there will be a public consultation when detailed proposals are announced in the new year.

Reverend John Davis said: "We want to stimulate the centre of Halesowen and revitalise what's going on by working with the council.

"It will be in keeping with what a wonderful building it is.

"The whole church is very excited because it will have a major impact on the town centre.

"With the road as it is the church is cut off completely from the town centre - we want to contribute significantly to the town centre.

"We want it to become a central focus like it always used to be.

"The development of Halesowen in the 1950s and 1960s was a disaster zone."

Possibilities include installing a new kitchen, toilets, improved disabled access and heating, replacing pews with moving seating and creating a flexible layout so the church could be used by community groups.

Canon John Everest said: "The ancient parish church of Halesowen will be brought up to a standard appropriate for the 21st century, making it more available for community use and following in the steps of previous generations who have continually altered it for the use of their own generations."

Rev Davis said if the neighbouring school closed the whole site could be redeveloped.

The project has already been discussed with the council, diocese, conservationists, English Heritage and architects.

Rev Davis said access at the back of the church, which was used by people to take cattle through, could be reopened, so that people could walk through.

The historic church is home to some medieval wall paintings.