It started life as a cinema in the 1930s and was used as a bingo hall before being left to sit empty for nearly four years.

But after 18 months - and an investment of £1m - a project to restore The Regal in Cowley Road to its former glory is finally complete.

The city's newest nightspot opened its doors to customers in February, giving revellers a sneak preview of what was to come with events in the small Elite Room and Foyer.

Work has now all but finished and last nighttues april 29 managers welcomed clubbers to the 850-capacity Great Room for its launch night, a charity soul and jazz evening.

Managing director Adam Marshcor said the team behind the transformation of the Grade II listed building had "moved heaven and earth" to complete the work - coming in at roughly double their £500,000 budget. He said: "We have replaced the floor, we have repainted the entire venue, built the bars, built an effective means of fire escape and stopped the building from falling down from subsidence.

"The scale of the project has been extensive - but the biggest challenge was getting the licence in the first place."

Mr Marsh and his partner Charlie McCreedy had their original licence application for live and recorded music turned down in 2006, but it was granted by magistrates on appeal in March, 2007.

Mr Marsh said he was "over the moon" to see his dream realised.

He said: "People are going to see art deco fused with a fantastic sound and lighting system, beautiful oak flooring and some sumptuous furniture.

"The most important thing in terms of restoration has been to look after the fretwork, all the art deco plasterwork and woodwork.

"The building work was one project, but making sure this place becomes what it has the potential to be is a job that will keep us very busy for a long time to come."

An estimated 750 people enjoyed the event in the Great Room yesterdayTues for the charity launch event, which raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Help an Oxfordshire Child.

It featured music from up and coming jazz star Natalie Williams, a regular at Soho jazz club Ronnie Scott's.

The third and final phase of the refurbishment has yet to be started, but the cinema seating will be revamped at a later date.

A May Day Ball will take place in the Great Room tonightwed, april 30, which runs until 6am.