Work is about to start on building an extension to an historic Pembroke Dock Chapel.

The Garrison Chapel in the town's former Royal Naval Dockyard is to have new meeting rooms and toilet facilities thanks to a regeneration scheme.

Heating will also be installed in the Georgian chapel enabling the premises to be occupied.

Clr. David Pugh, cabinet member for economy, tourism and communities, said he was delighted with the plan.

"This will secure the future of this important heritage building, and open up new opportunities for Pembroke Dock," he said.

The project is part of Pembrokeshire County Council's Haven Towns Regeneration scheme aimed at boosting the commercial competitiveness of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock by making the towns more attractive for investors, shoppers and visitors.

The scheme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and is part of a £3.2m EU-backed scheme to revitalise and restore the rich heritage of the two towns.

Construction work at the chapel is due to start shortly following the appointment of ATR Construction Ltd and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2013. The architects are Acanthus Holden.

Designed by architect George Ledwell, the Garrison Chapel was built in 1830-32.

The Grade II listed building is the only Georgian Classical Church remaining in South Wales.

After suffering years of deterioration, the building was due to be the subject of a compulsory purchase order before its private owners agreed to sell it to Pembrokeshire County Council.

It was recently restored through the Townscape Heritage Initiative.