IT is encouraging news that the sale of Darlington Arts Centre is likely to be delayed while detailed consideration is given to a proposal for private sector investment.

As we have made clear before, we consider the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace, to be an important part of Darlington and, indeed, the sub-region as it attracts people from outside the town’s boundaries. It was regrettable that it should fall victim to the public sector squeeze, and it was disappointing that no workable plan could be found before closure was announced.

But there is now the possibility that the building could be developed into a commercial arts centre which does not have to be propped up by dwindling public finances.

And that is a much better proposition than the site being bulldozed for more housing.

It should be stressed that this is a plan in its early stages. There is a long way to go before Darlington gets the arts venue of “national significance” that is being proposed.

But potential investors Andy Bottomley and Graham Thrower have given Darlington Borough Council a possible solution to the question of how the loss of the arts centre would be countered.

Council leader Bill Dixon has pledged that a new arts space will be built in Feethams, but many in the town have been sceptical about whether this proposal has real substance.

Perhaps fortuitously, the local authority has now been presented with a vision for a central multi-use venue, new gallery, restaurant, space for new businesses, a boutique hotel, and theatre facilities. There is also the prospect of 100 new jobs.

Councillors are sure to agree to the recommendation that the sale of the site be deferred to give this exciting plan time to breathe.

Why wouldn’t they? The alternative is the loss of Darlington Arts Centre with no clear view of the future for the arts in the town.