MAJOR renovation work at Oxford’s historic Jam Factory building in Oxford is nearing completion.

The site in Frideswide Square houses a restaurant, arts centre, office space and nightclub.

Scaffolding is now covering the Grade II-listed building, which has its name because it was once the home of world-famous Frank Cooper’s marmalade.

The first batch was made by Sarah-Jane Cooper in her family kitchen in 1874.

The tasty spread was then produced on site between 1903 and 1958 - hence the name The Jam Factory.

Part of it is now the family-owned Jam Factory cafe and art gallery which opened its doors in November, 2006.

Andrew Norton, who runs the Jam Factory, said renovation work which began in the summer is expected to be completed soon by Nuffield College which controls the building.

He added: “The Jam Factory is getting a new roof, new insulation and the stonework is being repointed - it’s an important part of the regeneration of the West End.

“It has been challenging during the past few months because there has been a slight decline in business but I can’t really complain because I have been asking for a roof that doesn’t leak for the past 13 years.

“We are looking forward to the work being completed in the next few weeks.

“The whole team here is looking forward to sharing our wonderful building with faces old and new.”

Mr Norton said the arts centre and cafe employs about 30 people and generates ‘substantial revenue’ for the local economy.

The centre plays host to various artistic groups, with regularly changing art exhibitions throughout the year and a programme of events, workshops and classes.

Due to the layout of the Jam Factory there are plenty of options for spaces to hire, from The Boiler Room, a private dining space that seats up to 40 guests, The Large Gallery seating 50 guests, to the whole venue seating up to 180, with other options in between.

There is also a large outdoor terrace with seating which is popular during the summer.

Mr Norton said on Sunday, for the ninth year running, The Jam Factory is hosting a free Christmas lunch for 160 pensioners.

He added: “It’s our annual elders’ lunch and it’s very popular.

“It’s a good opportunity for these pensioners to get out and meet each other as some of them are lonely.

“Staff and former staff volunteer and organisations like Age UK have the opportunity to offer their support. It’s perhaps a good way too of prompting everyone to think about looking out for their neighbours.”

Nuffield College bursar Gwilym Hughes said renovation work, part of regenerating the West End, could be concluded before the end of the year.