A redundant Methodist church that was sold off last year after dwindling use looks set to be transformed into a unique theatre – if planners back a move that could see £0.5m investment in the site.

Twocan Theatre, a Painswick-based charity created ten years ago out of frustration at the lack of theatrical opportunities for people who use wheelchairs, is seeking to transform the former Christ the King Church on the village's Alkerton Road.

If approved, the 1850s building in the centre of Eastington – bought thanks to bequeathed funds – will become a state-of-the-art venue which, given the location's easy access from Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol, will offer a rare performance opportunity for wheelchair users, as well as the neuro-diverse and anyone who seeks to get into the world of theatre but has access issues.

With a lifelong career in drama, Louise Partridge, the artistic director of Twocan, says the idea came about amid the recognising of how disabled artists are not professionally considered for employment within mainstream theatres.

Louise, also a freelance lecturer in drama at the University of Gloucestershire, told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "We paid £246,000 for the venue, with an agreement that the Methodist congregation can return to use the space for worship. If the plans are approved, we want to deliver the missing opportunities our work can create – and the only way we identified forward was through a bespoke facility."

She added: "The challenge is tough: overheads and utility bills are overhwhelming, so we want to make the space more efficient. But we are excited about Eastington as our new home - we couldn't afford prices for a venue in Glooucester or Cheltenham, but coming to this village means we are easily reached and we can open up to Bristol in terms of people we can help."

The main section of the chapel, which has an extensive car park, is a 93 square metre space, plus an additional coffee and bar area of 11.5 square metres. The change of use request before Stroud District Council, as per plans submitted by Oxford-based Resonant Architecture, entails educational provision, artwork display areas and ongoing use for worship, as well as theatre rehearsal and a new performance space. Details for the bid include a new glazed door, disabled access ramps and an addtional outbuilding.

If approved, Twocan hopes to make the transformation to the premises in the next 12 to 18 months.

Louise added: "There are clear areas to improve, but we are able to use the space straight away. To install all the equipment and specification for wheelchair users that we need to make the space accessible to all performers, the project adds up to £500,000."

● Twocan is now planning to launch an appeal to Gloucestershire businesses who may be interested in parnership and/or sponsorship of this work. For more details, Louise can be contacted on 07941 218520.