COUNCILLORS were due to discuss the future of Billingham Forum yesterday after officers reported it would take a £24m revamp to keep it viable.

Separate proposals to consult the public about the future development of the town centre have also been unveiled.

Stockton Council had previously wanted to demolish the Forum, which contains a theatre and ice rink.

Part of the nearby John Whitehead Park would have then been built on as part of a new town centre, called The Gateway.

But those plans had to be ditched because the theatre within the Forum has since been listed as a Grade-II building.

Experts say it would cost £9.1m just to keep the 39-year-old building open, owing to health and safety guidelines.

The council officers said that £24m would be needed for the Forum to be seriously upgraded and be viable for another 25 years as a major attraction.

About £5.5m would be spent on the ice rink, £4m on the swimming pool and water features, £3.1m on sports halls, £200,000 on creating a library area and £540,000 on a refurbished cafe area and sauna.

The council must spend £1m on the removal of asbestos and a total of £120,000 is being spent on emergency repair work on the theatre, which was damaged by high winds last month.

Coun Alex Watson, cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "The listed building status has implications for the entire complex, restricting options for upgrading. We face some difficult decisions."

Councillors were expected to approve plans to consult the public about the future of the town centre at yesterday's meeting, as well as debating the future of the Forum.

Members of the Billingham Action Team, who campaigned to save the Forum, were delighted with the news of the proposed refurbishment.

The chairman, Frank Crosby, said: "We ask that all interested parties show patience, a determination to call for the full facts now, and then to make their wishes known.

"This will be an opportunity for all the people of Billingham, and we urge them not to ignore it."