A MUCH-LOVED community theatre looks to have been saved from demolition after it became a listed building yesterday.

Campaigners trying to save Billingham Forum Theatre in Billingham, near Stockton, say the theatre is now almost certain to be saved.

However, others say the decision puts at risk an ambitious £28m project drawn up by Stockton Borough Council to rebuild the entire town centre of Billingham.

The fact it has been Grade II listed does not mean it can never be demolished, but does mean that special permission has to be granted.

The plans by Stockton council to rebuild Billingham town centre, known as The Gateway Project, are currently being considered by the Government Office for the North East.

The proposals include plans to demolish the theatre and create leisure and shopping facilties. All parties are waiting to see how the latest news will affect the regional Government office's decision.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport's decision to list the theatre relates only to the auditorium and stage.

It was unexpected because English Heritage inspectors, who advise the department, had previously said it was not worth listing on two separate occasions.

However, both those times the entire Forum Leisure complex, which includes a swimming pool and ice-rink, was considered and not just the theatre.

In their latest report, inspectors say the theatre - opened by the Queen in 1968 - is "the first revival of a horse-shoe theatre design, which makes it unique in England. It is based on a traditional Italian design and is exceptionally well planned".