A POPULAR music venue with rehearsal rooms, studios and a live stage, which nearly closed last year, is to undergo a refurbishment.

The Forum music centre will hold no gigs for the next ten days while volunteers give the venue a revamp.

It comes four months after the centre, in Borough Road, Darlington, came close to shutting after difficulties obtaining an unsecured loan.

The Forum was saved after senior councillors in the town provided temporary funding following a massive public protest.

The council and Humantics, a community interest company (CIC) formed to take over the venue, also jointly commissioned an independent review of the business plan.

The partnership and the formation of the CIC from a private company is believed to be unique in the UK. Profits will be re-invested in local projects.

Today is the first day of the refurbishment, which has been made possible because of a donation by local firm Glenwood Paints. Low-risk offenders will carry out some of the work.

The centre will celebrate with a relaunch night on Friday, January 21, with music from local bands, DJs and acoustic artists, as well as giveaways and a prize draw.

During the next two weeks, the centre will remain open for recording and rehearsals.

Allison McKay, from Humantics, said: “The Forum will look different. It will be more colourful, brighter and more like a music venue when you come in.”

She said the venue has fullyequipped rehearsal rooms and digital recording suites available for local bands to use.

It is also available for weddings and runs children’s pop parties enabling them to record their own music.

Ms McKay said: “It is a place where we think people can come for a drink and to socialise.

It’s not just for musicians – anyone can come in.

“It is a leisure centre for people who enjoy music whether through playing or listening to gigs. Even if you don’t like music – it’s a safe environment.

“The town should be rightly quite proud of what has been achieved at The Forum.”