Glossop's Victoria Arts Centre plan in the spotlight

Plans to create a centre for artistic excellence in Glossop's Victoria Hall are to be put to the test by consultants who will be carrying out a feasibility study into the ambitious proposals.

High Peak Borough Council and the Victoria Arts Centre (VAC) group have been working in partnership to explore the idea of developing a community arts centre at the venue after Derbyshire County Council decided to move the library out of the building.

VAC's proposals include re-opening the upper floor public hall as a 250-seater performance venue with facilities on the ground floor and basement linked to artistic and community uses.

A joint steering group, set up to take the project forward, has now appointed consultants Purcell and AMION Consulting to carry out the feasibility study.

Councillor Tony Ashton, Leader of the Borough Council, said: "Victoria Hall is one of Glossop's most important buildings and we are pleased to be working with the VAC team to identify future, sustainable uses for the building when the library moves out.

"Appointing these companies is the next step in progressing this project. They will be carrying out their work over the coming months and we're looking forward to receiving their professional advice and guidance on the viability of the Arts Centre vision."

Steering Group Chair, Mike Bull, added: "This is positive news for the project as it will provide us with the information and facts we need to move forward with our ambitious plans for a centre for artistic excellence.

"We have already established strong partnerships with the two councils and with local groups including the Glossop Music Festival, GODS and the Glossop Arts Project. Together we hope to achieve an outcome which will save and restore Victoria Hall for active community uses for generations to come."