The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is to gets its own home in West London.

Cadogan Estates, which manages land and property in Chelsea on behalf of the Cadogan family, has donated a century-old church near Sloane Square. The company will spend millions to convert it into a concert hall for the RPO, making it the first London orchestra to have a home of its own. The church will also have an arts centre and exhibition space.

'It's quite a spectacular building and we just thought it would be terrible to waste it,' said Cadogan's chief executive, Stuart Corbyn. 'As well as being the musical home for the RPO, we will use it for as many concerts and exhibitions as we can achieve, so it will be of huge benefit to the community.'

Cadogan are awaiting the outcome of a planning application, submitted last May. It is hoped the conversion will be completed by the end of 2003.