A FORMER East Oxford primary school is set to be transformed into a church and community centre.

The Victorian building in Hertford Street has been bought by Magdalen Road Church to house its growing flock as well as offering space for local groups to meet.

It was sold by St Mary and St John Church’s Parochial Church Council, which has acted as trustee since the property was vacated by St Mary and St John’s Primary School last year.

Year 1 and 2 classes moved to join the rest of the school on one larger site at the end of Bedford Street meaning there was no more need for the building.

Father Phil Ritchie, the vicar of St Mary and St John Church, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to pass this historic building on to a church that is also committed to and embedded in the East Oxford community.

“Magdalen Road Church, like the Hertford Street building, became part of the local landscape at a similar time in the nineteenth century. It was always important to us as the local parish church that the site continued to be used for the benefit of all members of the local community and especially those who find themselves on the margins.”

When the building went on the market it included a requirement for ‘community benefit’ in the conditions of sale and trustees turned down offers from developers in favour of the local church.

Magdalen Road Church’s vision for the building is to not only provide the church with a new and larger home but continue to provide facilities to serve the community.

For the last 12 years the church has been meeting on Sunday mornings at the school’s main site as their 160-strong congregation do not fit into their small chapel on Magdalen Road.

Dan Steel, Pastor of Magdalen Road Church, said: “We’ve been in the heart of this vibrant community for over 135 years and our vision is to serve the diverse people groups around our streets with the love of Jesus.

“It’s been a big step of faith for us to bid for this fantastic old building and, while the church is about people not bricks and mortar, it forms an important part of being able to serve the people of East Oxford.”

Now the sale has been finalised work will begin on renovating the space to suit the church’s needs.

To keep up to date with development plans visit mrc-oxford.org or email brittsab1@gmail.com