A £4million youth arts project in Clitheroe will not be completed until late next year.

Work is currently being carried out to convert the former Grand Cinema, in York Street, into a 24-hour recording studio and youth arts centre.

Under original plans agreed by Ribble Valley Council in 2002, the work was due to be completed by the beginning of this year.

But delays in securing listed building consent to work on the Grade II listed hall meant work did not start until last November.

The centre is now expected to open in autumn 2007, nearly two years behind schedule.

Steve Bell, manager of the Grand, said: "When planning permission was granted, it was agreed that work would be completed by a certain time, but that target wasn't met due to unforeseen issues over listed planning consent.

"It was originally meant to be open by now but the scale of the project means we have had to apply to extend the timescale.

"We now hope to be open by September 2007, if all goes to plan."

The scheme will involve the creation of a cybercafe, dance studio, recording suite and rehearsal rooms.

Work will also include extending the building to the rear to provide toilets and a spiral staircase, lifts for disabled visitors and a split-level reception area for better disabled access.

The entrance door will be glassed over and visitors will enter the venue via a newly-constructed reception area. John Lancaster, former boss of Clitheroe conservatory roof firm Ultraframe, acquired the Grand in 2000 under the auspices of the Lancaster Foundation and originally wanted to demolish it, replacing it with a new structure.

But he was forced into a rethink after a campaign to save the building resulted in its Grade II listing.

Built in 1874 as a public hall, The Grand was converted to a cinema in 1921. Run by the Cullen family until 1993, the cinema became renowned for its unique and splendid dcor and family-orientated entertainment.

Members of Ribble Valley Council community committee will consider the application to extend the timescale tonight.