OXFORD'S newest entertainment venue is set to open its doors to the public for the first time later this month.

A large-scale revamp of the former bingo hall, in Cowley Road, is under way, and a launch party is scheduled for Thursday, February 21.

Developers Adam Marsh and Charlie McCreedy have promised to bring the Grade II-listed venue back into use for the community.

For the first time, they have talked about exactly what they plan to do.

They will be throwing open the doors every Monday for what they call a 'community drop-in', where people can come in and chat about what's going on, and pick up a news sheet about planned events.

Manager Jason Preston said: "We want people to be able to talk to us, and we want to open up the channels for them to do that."

Mr McCreedy added: "We've had enquiries as diverse as children's ballet to a guy in London who wanted to do a market inside.

"We're very excited about this. I'm being asked 100 times a week when's it's opening and what's happening."

A number of events have already been pencilled in: Under-18 band and dance nights A free 'Sunday Social' event starting in March in conjunction with Oxford Brookes University, free film screenings to raise awareness of global issues, starting off with the film Blood Diamond Regular dance classes in everything from salsa to ballroom.

Mr Marsh and Mr McCreedy also want to get involved with this year's Cowley Road Carnival, on Sunday, July 6, and have promised The Regal will host a barbecue followed by an after-carnival party.

When the revamp is finished, the building will be divided up into different venues. A smaller, upstairs 'Elite Room' will hold up to 200 people.

The main space, the 'Great Room', once complete, will cater for 850, and once the old cinema-seating is restored, it will hold up to 1,750 people.

Mr McCreedy was staying tight-lipped about bands lined up, but promised a wide spectrum of artists.

Head of music Kieran Hayes, who is also set to be a resident DJ, said of the Regal: "She is Oxford's first lady and we're restoring her to her former glory."

Bookings for events can be made on the website at www.the-regal.com