The plan to rescue Epsom’s Horton Chapel and turn it into an arts hub has received a massive boost.

Earlier this year the council signed off on plans to fill the empty building of 20 years with performance space, a café and space to hire by local groups for rehearsals and teaching space.

Now a £1.44 million National Lottery grant has been awarded to charity Horton Chapel Arts and Heritage Society, which means the transformation can now begin.

Ian Reeves, the charity’s chairman, said: “This is a massive moment for us because without this funding the project could not have gone ahead.

"To everyone who has ever bought a National Lottery ticket, thank you – your money will have an uplifting effect on the whole area.

"We’ve had fantastic support from the council, our funders, a host of volunteers and our professional suppliers. There is a lot of work still to do, but we can’t wait to get started.”

The grant will help pay for the structural work, including a new slate roof and the refurbishment works.

Epsom Council, which has owned the building since 2004, has also committed to release up to £1.45 million in ring-fenced funding towards the project.

These funds will now be unlocked following the award from the HLF, and ownership of the building transferred to the charity.

Councillor Barry Nash said: "This is a huge step forward in creating a cultural hub within Epsom and Ewell and we congratulate the team involved for their efforts and dedicated hard work in making the scheme a reality.

"We wish the team all the very best with their plans.”

The building, which has been unused since the early 1990s, will be open to all with a year-round programme that will include creative learning, music, theatre and dance performance, and exhibitions.