A QUALITY venue aimed at developing the arts in the Sedgefield borough could be created in a leisure centre.

Sedgefield Borough Council is exploring the possibility of converting part of Spennymoor Leisure Centre into an arts resource.

It is hoped the new venue would support a new generation of local performers and artists, and help them make the transition from amateur to professional.

It would also enable the borough to host work by professional companies, support voluntary groups and strengthen education programmes.

The proposal came about after an arts audit last year highlighted a serious lack of facilities in the area.

At the same time as an arts forum was exploring ways to expand local provision, the borough council was reviewing services and accommodation at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, which is undergoing a major transformation.

With the development of a gymnastics centre of excellence and relocation of the fitness suite, officers identified space in the existing Capricorn ballroom and fitness suite that could be transformed into the arts centre.

If it is approved, the centre is likely to include a performance and exhibition space, studios and rehearsal rooms for visual and performing arts.

Three options for the development have been outlined, which include a plan for full conversion and refurbishment which would cost more than £800,000.

Last week, Sedgefield Borough Council's cabinet agreed to spend £15,000 on the second stage of a feasibility study to explore sources of funding.

Phil Ball, director of leisure services, said: "This is a really exciting prospect, a way of keeping artists in the North-East and helping them to develop their work.

"It would complete the development of Spennymoor Leisure Centre, which will need investment as a consequence of ongoing work there anywhere.

"And it would complement the work of outside groups, village halls and schools, not compete with them.

"It is important that this resource would not rely on ticket sales, but that artists would be able to use the space in return for holding workshops as part of an education programme.

"There would be some capital investment by the council but with the resource costing up to £1m, we will look at other avenues of funding including support from the Lottery's arts grants.