A new music venue has been created inside a deconsecrated medieval church in the heart of Ipswich.
In December, construction on St. Stephen's Church, which belongs to the Ipswich Borough Council, began.
In addition to hosting live music events, the Grade II-listed building on Arras sq\. serves as a community center during the day.
It is one of five locations throughout the community that will play host to the Brighten the Corners music festival on Friday and Saturday.
The Suffolk Investment Fund for Inclusive Growth (SIGIF) provided funding for the project.
A stage, a cafe and bar area, and new flooring have all been added as part of the renovation project.
Along with sound equipment and soundproofing systems, new restrooms have also been installed.
The facility has more emergency exits and can accommodate up to 225 people.
The Suffolk Inclusive Growth Investment Fund (SIGIF), an external organization, provided a grant of £300,000 for the project, and the city council also contributed £150,000.
Joe Bailey, director of Sounds East CIC, the non-profit organization with a lease on the location, wished for a "creative community feel" in the converted church.
He continued, "That will continue for many years to come. It lends itself, as a building, to congregation, communion, music, and enjoyment.
According to Mr. Bailey, similar venues like the Norwich Arts Centre and the Colchester Arts Centre served as inspiration.
A portion of Brighten the Corners, a multi-venue music festival organized by Sounds East CIC and formerly known as Sound City Ipswich, will take place at St. Stephen's Church.
The other four venues are a free outdoor stage on Cornhill, the Corn Exchange, the Baths, and the Smokehouse.
The venue should have a "creative community feel," according to Joe Bailey, director of Sounds East CIC.
