Grandpont House has acted as a venue for academic, cultural, outreach and religious activities for students and others since 1959. Additionally, it offers accommodation to male students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. Grandpont House is run by a resident committee, headed by a director. There is also a resident chaplain. Constructed over a branch of the Thames, overlooking Christ Church Meadows, close to the heart of the University, and within easy reach of its colleges, libraries and laboratories. Like other such university centres in Britain (Netherhall House and Ashwell House in London, Coniston Hall and Greygarth Hall in Manchester) and throughout the world, Grandpont was inspired by St Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei.