Construction on the Church of Scientology’s new $9.3 million home in Rivervale has begun.

The secretive Church has received final approvals after some minor changes to conditions on the two-storey building on Belmont Avenue.

It is scheduled to open next year and will include classrooms, a cafe and a “purification room”. A spokesman for the Church said construction on the property had started.

“The new church in Perth is part of the Church’s international program to service its parishioners in ‘ideal’ churches,” he said.

“The Church of Scientology has been experiencing a renaissance over the last decade, with greater expansion than in the previous 50 years combined.”

Scientology is a controversial religion created by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard.

Followers believe they are immortal beings whose experiences go beyond a single lifetime.

Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta are two high-profile members.

The Rivervale building will involve the conversion of a vacant warehouse.