An historic former church in Alexandria is set to get a new lease of life after it was snapped up by a first-time property developer.

St Andrews Parish Church was due to go up for auction last week but Andrew Cuthbert, 33, bought the 19th-century building before it went under the hammer.

Now, he wants the local community to get in touch with ideas with what they would like to see in the property.

He said: “I’m looking to get in touch with people locally who want to help put it back into use.

“This is my first property investment. I saw it and I saw it had been used as a children’s play area and a dance school and thought it would be something useful to the local community.

“I’ve worked on community projects in the past, but I’ve not bought property like this.” Software firm founder Mr Cuthbert, who lives in Bangor, Country Down, Northern Ireland, bought the church for the guide price of £62,750 by bidding remotely before the action went ahead – and has not yet visited his new property.

He plans to visit today (Tuesday September 22) and has set up some meetings with to find out more about the building and possible uses – with a community centre, offices and a restaurant all having been suggested.

He added: “I though it looked really interesting. I’d never seen a church like for sale – one that had been converted.

“It would be interesting to find out feedback from anyone in the area. At this point I’m very open to ideas. The idea are all very different so I want to find out how people feel locally and to see the place.

“I want to get a feel for the place and see what the people of Alexandria need.” Local councillor John Millar said he was glad to see the church look as though it was being brought back into use.

He said Mr Cuthbert’s business partner had been in touch with him about starting a similar business to the Scallywags play area.

Cllr Millar said: “I think that would be a great idea. Anything that will give the kids a wee bit of fun and excitement is a good thing.

“There’s also the fact that the building has just been lying there and it’s a lovely old church. There’s plenty of space for that kind of use.” He added that bringing the empty building into use would help with the regeneration of the town.

Anyone with ideas for the property is asked to get in contact with Mr Cuthbert through the St Andrews Church Community Centre Facebook page.