THE boss of a music centre says plans to relocate to the site of a doomed library will secure its future, but warns the proposals will be abandoned if they are not financially viable.

Allison McKay said plans to bring the Forum Music Centre on Borough Road to the Crown Street Library building would put Darlington “on the map”.

The Northern Echo: AXED: Darlington's Crown Street Library. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The proposals, which were unveiled by Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, include turning the site into a music venue with capacity for around 350 people, a gallery and café, as well as space for other arts and educational activities.

However, critics of the plans continue to raise concerns over the timing of Ms Chapman’s announcement, with Peter Cuthbertson, Conservative candidate for Darlington in the forthcoming election, calling the move a “pathetic, cynical gesture”.

The future of the building is uncertain after Darlington borough councillors approved proposals to close the library facility last month.

Ms McKay, director at the Forum Music Centre, said she had been in “regular” discussions with Ms Chapman since 2015 over possible new location for the Forum.

“We decided when we were financially stabilised we would look for another building but nothing was appropriate.

“The situation can’t carry on as it is – we can tick along as we have been, but we won’t be able to develop any further.”

Ms McKay said it was vital for the Forum to move to a new site, adding she has “dreamed” about setting up in the Crown Street facility.

“The current building we are in is really old, we have people from the community helping out which is all well and good, but it can’t go on like that.

“The move would increase capacity for gigs, and would put Darlington on the map, creating a place for world class talent to attend.

“We can’t continue to exist in the building we are in.”

Ms McKay has warned the proposals would be abandoned if it proved to be unsustainable, before adding they would not make the same mistakes as Darlington Arts Centre, which closed in 2012.

“If it ends up that the costs and the capacity don’t stack up, then we won’t do it.

“It has been challenge to keep going – if you can’t keep your head above water, it is too upsetting for everyone.

“We are certainly not wanting to replace the arts centre – that was a method that didn’t work.”

Ms Chapman said: ‘I’m pleased to be working with Allison to create a new arts and music venue for Darlington.

“It is early days, but if we can make our vision a reality as well as an exciting new venue we will have succeeded in preserving a cherished local landmark for the benefit of the whole town.”

Mr Cuthbertson said: “It is incredible that the situation with the library has been known for over a year and only now has this idea been revealed, six weeks before an election.

“This is a pathetic, cynical gesture, and I doubt it will even win them the votes they are hoping for.”