Householders hope a new community centre will be the “envy of the area” when it is built next year.

The new centre will be built on the Stonegrove Estate in Edgware, and will include a cafe, a children’s centre, a nursery and activity spaces.

Under the plans, the run-down St Peter’s Church will be knocked down and replaced with a new building.

It is hoped the project, part of the Stonegrove Regeneration Scheme, will help revive the "heavily deprived" area.

Resident trustees are needed to join a new group to help oversee the running of the new buildings.

Dan Goodman, of Amias Drive, Edgware, who has been heavily involved with the plans, said: “Being part of the new community is something I feel very passionately about.

“The ability to contribute to the wider community and help families in our local area has been key to my involvement with the community trust.

“If you live in the local area and have a passion to engage with the community and help others, then we would love to hear from you."

The Community Trust will be led by residents and is supported by the London Borough of Barnet, Family Mosaic and St Peter’s Church.

No specific location has been decided for the new centre, but it will be close to the site of the London Academy School.

Mr Goodman, 35, added: “It’s vital for the community. There’s a large amount of deprivation here.

“We want to be more than just a community hub. We want to set an example, and be the envy of the area.”

Councillor Helena Hart and Cllr Joan Scannell have been involved in the regeneration project since 2002.

Cllr Hart said: "I am so delighted that plans are finally coming to fruition for the new community centre and church.

“Reverend Rea and St. Peter's Church have always played a pivotal part in everyday life in this part of Edgware, reaching out to all sections of the community and if past experience of their involvement is anything to go by then this new venture should be a riproaring success.”