ONE of the region's leading arts venues is waiting to hear if an extra £200,000 will be available for a refurbishment project.

More than £1.5m will be invested in improving Darlington Arts Centre, in the town's Vane Terrace.

Funding has already been secured from the Arts Council, Northern Rock Foundation, County Durham Environmental Trust and Tees Valley Investment Fund.

Darlington Borough Council's community services director, Cliff Brown, said: "Arts Council England has indicated a further £200,000 may be available following a review of their national capital programme. A decision is expected early in 2006."

The council is also waiting for funding decisions from other sources, including the UK Film Council.

The project will provide a new 100-seat studio theatre, a plaza, water sculpture, improved foyer, community gallery and better parking.

The venue expects visitors to increase from 140,000 a year to 171,600.

Income is also likely to increase as more groups use the facilities.