The St Peter's Church refurbishment in St Albans has been described as exciting and amazing by its vicar.

The church was closed in July as a major refurbishment began, and the building's Victorian concrete floor had been crumbling and the pillars had been slowly "destroyed" by moisture.

York stone featuring underfloor heating will replace the flooring, while Victorian pews will be removed.

Herts Advertiser: The work ongoing at St Peter's Church, St Albans.The work ongoing at St Peter's Church, St Albans. (Image: St Peter's Church)

According to the church, this will create "one of the biggest community spaces in St Albans".

An archaeologist had been visiting the site while the concrete floor was being removed.

In addition to the known burial vaults, the only items found were a glass bottle from local St Albans brewery Bingham Cox & Co and two Victorian R White lemonade bottles.

With the old floor removed, the underfloor heating system has now been installed on top of a recycled blown glass insulation layer.

A limecrete sub base has also been added in preparation for the new stone floor, which will start being laid next year.

Herts Advertiser: The work ongoing at St Peter's Church, St Albans.The work ongoing at St Peter's Church, St Albans. (Image: St Peter's Church)

Rev Mark Dearnley, St Peter's Church vicar, said: "This is an exciting time and great that the contract is running on schedule.

"It is amazing to see the change taking place and we are excited about moving back into a building that will meet our needs better, and be a much more useful space for community events."

St Peter's Church has occupied its prominent location, at the highest point of the city, for over a thousand years.

The building has Saxon origins, prior to growing as a Norman church.

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The site even had a role in the medieval battles of the wars of the roses.

The building's hall and office remain open throughout the works, while the congregation are currently sharing services with Marlborough Road Methodist Church.

Herts Advertiser: Underfloor heating has been installed.Underfloor heating has been installed. (Image: St Peter's Church)

The church was originally scheduled to reopen in time for Easter services in 2024.

Chairs, which will replace the site's old pews, can be sponsored for £250 by visiting the church's website: www.stpeterschurch.uk.com