AN HISTORIC Ipswich church is to be transformed into a concert venue thanks to a £772,000 lottery award, it was revealed today.The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded the grant to St Peter's Church, at the town's waterfront.

AN HISTORIC Ipswich church is to be transformed into a concert venue thanks to a £772,000 lottery award, it was revealed today.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded the grant to St Peter's Church, at the town's waterfront.

The church is currently redundant and largely closed to the public and the changes will see it opening for regular community use for the first time in years.

The grant has been awarded to the Ipswich Hospital Band, which is running the building project, and will oversee the ongoing use as a concert venue.

Work will include erecting a stage and 205-seat auditorium as well as sound and lighting facilities.

There will also be essential conservation work to the building and a range of displays to tell the story of the church's history, which dates back to 1130.

Robyn Llewellyn, regional manager for the Heritage Lottery Fund in the east of England, said: “It is so exciting to help bring a wonderful historic building like this back to life for people to enjoy.

“St Peter's is an absolute gem, located right in the middle of a major regeneration area, so this scheme ticked all the boxes for us.”

Vic Lowne of the Ipswich Hospital Band said the organisation was “over the moon” at the news and was indebted to Ipswich Borough Council and the Ipswich Historic Churches Trust for their support.

He added: “Apart from giving us much needed rehearsal and performance space, it will establish our position as a major contributor on the local musical scene.”

In addition to musical performances, the refurbished church will be available for a wide variety of arts activities