The property’s windows had been broken, it was covered in graffiti, had its southern fence fall over, and had become overgrown.

On the market for some time, the property was having difficulty selling because it had always been used commercially.

However because the land was zoned for residential use, potential buyers were unsure if they could trade from the site without lodging a development application.

Redeveloping the site, a former service station, was problematic because of the fear of contaminated soil.

It is now being renovated and will house the Shoalhaven Baptist Church.

Pastor Richard Shellabear was behind the move, with the church previously housed at the Bomaderry Community Centre.

“We needed to get a building of our own. This one is in a reasonable position and offered us good prospects,” he said.

Mr Shellabear said that as it was a place of worship, zoning was not an issue and because the ground wasn’t being excavated, soil contamination was not a problem.

“There are some other issues, but they are being dealt with by council,” he said.

Mr Shellabear said the church should open by mid-year, however at the moment there was a lot of volunteer labour going into the works.

To prevent it from becoming vandalised, security lights will be installed and a chain placed across the driveway.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said nearby resident Allen ‘Pud’ Abernethy, who had complained about the property being an eyesore.

Mr Abernethy, who has lived near the site for 40 years, said in previous months it had been the worst he had ever seen it.

“I think it will make heaps of difference and won’t be an eyesore any more. Once they do it up, it will be looking a million dollars,” he said.