A £300,000 refurbishment to transform a Mackworth church hall into a community centre has been dubbed a "dream come true" by Councillor Paul Pegg.
St Francis Church Hall, in Prince Charles Avenue, closed its doors as a community centre in 1999.
For the past 10 years, Mr Pegg has been campaigning to "save its future". Now work has begun to refurbish the hall – creating a dance floor, stage area and kitchen as well as replacing windows and doors.
Mr Pegg, also chairman of the Mackworth Estate Community Association, said: "This is a big step. The estate needs a community centre that can be used by everyone.
"There's nowhere big enough to hold large functions, so this is desperately needed.
"It's absolutely fantastic that work has started. We're all over the moon."
The refurbishment work is being carried out by Green Hill Construction. It is expected to be complete by July.
Mr Pegg said: "There used to be what was called the 'Saints and Sinners Club' held in a barn building attached to the church.
"It was a wooden structure that had all rotted, so it needed to be pulled down.
"Work is being done to rebuild this, as well as incorporate new shower and changing rooms for theatre groups and football teams who will use the space.
"In the main hall, the sprung dance floor is being rebuilt and new heating and electric systems are being put in.
"All the windows and doors are being replaced and a new kitchen is being fitted that will double up as a bar for functions."
Mackworth Estate Community Association took over the building in 2012.
Mr Pegg said it took the group more than 10 years to get the lease from the Church.
He said: "Terry Kelsall, who passed away in 2003, and I had the idea to use the space years ago.
"I made a promise to him that I would carry on the fight and I have.
"We have Mackworth Youth and Community Centre, in Prince Charles Avenue, but that is mainly used for children's parties.
"We need somewhere where adults can go and where larger functions such as christenings and weddings can be held.
"We need somewhere to hold the local football presentations, so this venue will be ideal.
"We are also hoping that theatre groups will be interested in hiring the space so that they can stage productions."
Judy Kelsall, widow of the late Terry, said her husband would have been "over the moon".
Judy, 75, of Mackworth, said: "It's such an exciting thing to happen for the estate. I cannot wait to see the finished project.
"Paul has worked so hard to get the church hall – it would not have happened without him."
The project is being funded through "section 106 money", paid by developers for local community schemes.
