A charity based in a converted church has secured the necessary funds to avoid appointing administrators.

Council papers revealed earlier this year how Deal and Walmer Community Association, which owns the Landmark Centre in Deal High Street, required £50,000 to keep the site running.

In November last year, a new management committee of four new trustees and volunteers was created, with the organisation facing a critical situation with debts continuing to mount.

But after securing the funds to keep the centre open, the new team says it now has grand plans for the site to become a “well-loved jewel in the town centre”.

They say they will make use of the converted church’s three halls, two smaller rooms, as well as the Spires Cafe and Landmark bar to provide valuable services to those who need them.

This will include allowing the hire of workspaces and studios, fitness and wellbeing spaces, developing a programme of community events, exhibitions and classes for all generations.

It is hoped transforming the centre into a “dynamic creative hub” will also help attract people to the surrounding area.

In a statement, the new management committee added: “Prior to their departure, the previous trustees recognised their inability to maintain operations, leading to financial instability.

“Thanks to the perseverance of the new trustees, sufficient financial support has now been secured to keep the doors open for the next year.

“This means ambitious plans can be put in place to make it more self-funding so that this precious asset can continue to provide vital services for many years to come.

“We remain convinced the centre can become a well-supported, well-used, well-loved jewel in the middle of the town, providing valuable services to those who need them as well as a dynamic, creative hub that attracts people to the surrounding area.”

Recently, a crowdfunding appeal was launched to raise money for basic improvements to the Landmark Centre.

“This isn’t just about saving a building…”

It is hoped that by improving the facility, it will increase the number of visitors to the site.

The trustees added: “Your support can help fund improvements that will ensure the Landmark Centre remains a cherished community asset for generations to come.

“This isn’t just about saving a building, it’s about preserving a place where we can connect, create and celebrate together.”

Previously, both Deal and Walmer town councils committed £5,000 to save the site from having to appoint administrators, as council papers showed how the group needed to raise £50,000.

The high street site has had several uses over the centuries, first becoming home to a church in 1681.

The original chapel, known as the Meeting House, proved too small for its growing congregation by 1800, so it was pulled down and replaced three years later.

The Deal Congregational Church opened its doors in 1882 and was the third building to be constructed on the site, but was since converted and run as the Landmark Centre.