Talks begin for possible Arts Centre expansion

Buy photos » Work could be underway to expand Pershore’s Number 8 Community Arts Centre in the future. Photo by Neville Collins.

TALKS have begun over expanding Pershore's Number 8 Community Arts Centre it has been revealed.

Wychavon District Council confirmed this week it was looking to buy the empty building next to the High Street venue which would allow the expansion to take place.

The council said it was approached by bosses at Number 8 earlier this year and asked if they would consider buying the building so the arts centre could then rent it back from them.

As the proposal is at such an early stage it is not yet known what Number 8 would use the building for.

Vic Allison, deputy managing director at Wychavon District Council, said: "This is just the kind of investment project that we like at Wychavon.

"It enables us to secure and support community facilities and ensure that we make a good return on our investment."

But Keith Goddard, chairman of the arts centre, said no firm plans had yet been decided and is only an idea at this moment of time.

"Our trustees meet every month and the possibility of expanding has been one of the issues discussed," he added.

"Things are at a very early stage but we can't really plan anything until Wychavon have decided to enter negotiations or not."

A final decision on whether or not Wychavon will purchase the building will be considered at the full council meeting on May 8.

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