A MULTI-million pound Christian centre is set to open its doors tomorrow.

Offices in Blue Boar Street were purchased by the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) and the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) in May 2011 for £3.25m.

The two organisations, which between them operate in 150 countries, have been refurbishing the building over the last year bringing the total cost of the project to £4m.

The building will serve as UCCF’s national headquarters, and the international base for IFES.

The two organisations exist to give university students an opportunity to “hear about the message of Christianity”.

Richard Cunningham, director of UCCF, said: “It is a great privilege to work at the centre of this beautiful world city. We are grateful to our new neighbours in Oxford City Council, the university and the local churches for such a warm welcome. It is our great desire that in pursuing our own strategic goals of establishing a Christian centre of excellence we develop relationships with those around us that are characterised by courtesy and generosity.”

The former city council offices were sold last year as a cost-cutting move.

IFES chief administrative officer Tim Adams said: “Our prayer is that this centre – in a world class city – will enable us to better serve students across Great Britain and around the world.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Mohammed Abbasi will officially open the building at 3pm tomorrow at a ceremony attended by Christopher Lewis, dean of Christ Church, and city council leader Bob Price.

It will be followed by a thanksgiving service in St Aldate’s Church at 6pm.