BLACKPOOL'S North Shore boating pool could sail into the Millennium as an arts and music arena.

An unnamed private company has approached Blackpool Council with the idea of using the pool as an "exciting new venue for the Millennium and beyond, dedicated to promoting the arts here in Blackpool and nationally."

It envisages an events arena for orchestral concerts and for festivals of pop or folk music not otherwise represented in the North West.

Additional ideas include a purpose-built arts and crafts centre, a continental-style cafe and bar, an imaginative children's play area and in-line skate park.

Blackpool Council is currently preparing a bid for up to £4 million lottery funding to re-vamp the whole north shore coastal strip from Cocker Square to Little Bispham - and the old boating pool would fit into it as the most prominent leisure feature on the seafront.

The site was a headache for the council for some years, but despite its age is a large and solidly-built arena which could lend itself to promotion.

It was eventually leased to a children's ride operator but the lease ends this year and the council itself has no other plans for the site.

Tourism and leisure chairman Councillor Roy Lewis said that at present these were just tentative proposals and the committee was being asked to give the officers powers to negotiate.

But, he said, "The concept is an attractive one and I think it is worth pursuing. It would bring additional life to the area and would find a lot of community support."

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