IT STARTED life in the nineteenth century as the spiritual home of religious order the Cowley Fathers.

Now St John the Evangelist Church in Iffley Road is becoming Oxford’s latest arts and concert venue, thanks to a multi-million pound investment.

Rechristened SJE Arts, the church, part of theological college and Oxford University permanent private hall St Stephen’s House, has undergone substantial work, including the installation of underfloor heating at a cost of just under £500,000.

With the completion of a new toilet block, the church is now concert ready, and organisers are inviting the community to make use of the new facility.

Bursar Michele Smith said: “We started a couple of years ago trying to work out whether there would be interest in using it as a concert hall and we came back with enormous encouragement.”

Eight performances have been held in the new venue this year.

It is planned to purchase a Steinway grand piano, which cost in excess of £100,000 new. But a secondhand model has been found in Spain for £64,000 and St Stephen’s House has secured grants for £50,000 of the cost.

Mrs Smith said: “Even the Sheldonian doesn’t have its own Steinway grand, it has to bring one in. A concert grand is a massive beast but has the most fantastic sound.”

Other work still needs to be carried out, including glazing the windows of the cloisters, work on the roof and guttering, restoration of the painted ceiling, staging for performers and music stands.

The total project is expected to cost more than £2.2m and various campaigns, including a buy a key campaign for £240 per key for the Steinway grand, and the chance to have your name engraved on a pane of glass in one of the windows for £2,000, are ongoing.

About £800,000 has already been spent or committed.

Booking the hall costs between £250 and £450, with special rates offered for local groups.

l For details about staging an event at SJE, or to contribute to the fundraising campaign, call Michele Smith on 01865 613502 or email bursar@ssho.ox.ac.uk