A heritage consultant drawing up ambitious plans to open up All Saints Church and revitalise the Market Place is urging Kingston residents to have their say on the future of the town’s historic Coronation Stone.

Marion Blockley’s work, which is being funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is part of the church’s £5m development proposals including a new community centre which could house a visitor centre, facilities for young people in the town centre, a cafe and meeting rooms.

As well as moving the historic artefact back to the church grounds, Ms Blockley’s ideas include a self-guided historical tour of the town for MP3 players, landscaping to include historical figures like Cesar Picton, Hester Hammerton and the Saxon kings, and a live webcam on the church tower.

She said: “It’s a chance to revitalise the town and town centre. It’s fair to say the retailers themselves feel the history and sense of culture – people need to come to Kingston for something wider than the shopping and theatre.

“I would like the Market House, churchyard and Market Place as one strategic whole. They are all part of one story of Kingston. The church and Market Place are where people came together and maybe we can bring some of that back.”

Ms Blockley said a proposed new north door to the church would make it more accessible and welcoming, and help drive people through the church and churchyard to Market Place.

Her questionnaire asks people their views of 26 ideas, and what barriers might prevent people from using the church or joining activities there, and is available in the church and online.

All Saints rector Jonathan Wilkes said: “We believe this building belongs to the people of Kingston. It is a place of worship and prayer, however there are lots of other ways that people can use this space.

“Historically churches were not just places where people felt they had to speak in hushed tones. They were places where people met. People came to met each other and sell things and conduct the daily business of their daily lives. We are trying to reconnect the church with some of its roots.”

He said the church hoped to submit a planning application for the three floor, two story community centre in the summer, and then start serious fund raising for the project.

The survey is available at marionblockley.co.uk/asksurvey.html, and a public meeting will be held at 7.30pm on June 16 at Tiffin Boys’ School.

What would you do to All Saints? Share your thoughts at surreycomet.co.uk/news