A STUDY is to be carried out to assess the need for a creative digital and arts centre in York.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward agreed to fund a feasibility report into the proposed initiative.

Working in conjunction with Science City York, City of York Council, Creation, and developers Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd, the study will evaluate the business case, and the demand and design concept for a creative centre.

The concept behind the proposal is the creation of a city-based hub for arts and new media entrepreneurs and businesses, providing them with flexible workspace in which their ideas can flourish.

Links with York's art galleries and museums will be reviewed as part of the study.

Science City York, which negotiated with Yorkshire Forward on behalf of the partners, will be inviting expressions of interest and tenders for the work during the next few weeks.

Funding will come from Yorkshire Forward, through the North Yorkshire Sub Regional Action Plan, which has identified projects to be advanced in York and North Yorkshire during 2003 to 2006.