CLITHEROE Civic Hall could be flattened to make way for a new multi-million community arts centre, it was revealed today.

The Grade II listed building in York Street, which reopened as the Grand Cinema earlier this year, may make way for a centre with a cinema, theatre, meeting rooms, gallery space, cafe-bar, cyber cafe, recording studios, rehearsal rooms and a creche.

Trinity Community Partnership will submit an outline planning application to Ribble Valley Borough Council in October, which will include a request for consent to develop the site.

The £3.5million redevelopment, which aims to be fully operational by 2002, is being financed by the Lancaster Charitable Trust which was set up by multi-millionaire Ultraframe conservatory firm boss John Lancaster.

A feasibility study by the Ashworth Burke Partnership concluded that retaining or adapting the building would not be possible and the proposed facilities would be better served by a purpose-built centre. Over the next few weeks there will be public consultation.

Geoff Jackson, project manager, said: "It is going to be the envy of the region and will attract performers and artists, musicians and theatre companies from throughout the company.

"We are looking forward to a positive, healthy and open debate that will lead us to the establishment of of first rate community arts centre facility with a real vision for the needs of young people. "The Lancaster Foundation and the Trinity Community Partnership are united in the belief that it is essential to invest in the cultural development of young people alongside the rest of the community.

"There will be some people who will be sad to see the Grand Cinema disappear. We believe the building as it stands does not have a viable future and we now have a chance to provide first rate facilities.

"We are appreciative that it has fulfilled a tremendous function over many years. Many people have enjoyed the cinema, but now is the time to move on. Unfortunately the Grand has narrow appeal.

"There are new pressures on 21st century community and leisure needs that are not being met in Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley.

"We want to give Clitheroe a broader appeal especially during evenings and weekends when the town centre needs to feel more positive and safe and more representative of wider community interest."

Stewart Bailey, Ribble Valley Council's chief planning officer, said the partnership will have to seek demolition consent from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Mayor of Clitheroe Coun Alan Yearing, who is also a borough council representative, said: "There is bound to be a difference of opinion. I feel that Trinity has taken on this project and therefore we must let them get on with developing the site as they see fit.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what they have to offer." Coun Chris Holtom, Ribble Valley Mayor, added: "We will have to judge the application on its merits, talking into account the views of Clitheroe Town Council, Lancashire County Council and any other interested parties.