AN arts centre is on the drawing board for a Teesside town and could see the merging of two educational organisations.

The University of Teesside and Cleveland College of Art and Design are jointly planning with Middlesbrough Borough Council to develop a purpose-built centre for art and design in the town centre.

The centre, as well as a new art gallery next door, could also herald a full merger between the two seats of learning.

It was revealed yesterday that the boards of governors of both institutions have agreed in principle to work towards a full merger between the art college and the university.

David Willshaw, principal and chief executive of the art college, said: "We have been partners for many years and both institutions are renowned for producing successful students across a wide range of art and design, and related disciplines.

"Seeking to combine our resources, augmented by a purpose-built landmark building in the centre of Middlesbrough, will provide a superb facility for people of all ages to discover and build upon their creative talents," he added.

"It will place the Tees Valley in a premier position regionally, nationally and even internationally in the development of the creative industries."

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said of the proposed centre: "It will greatly assist our plans to develop an enhanced cultural quarter in the centre of Middlesbrough and I am delighted with the proposal and wish the university and the art college, who are already major assets to the town, every success in this joint venture.

"In Middlesbrough, we are committed to providing employment, education and leisure opportunities for all ages.

"Taken together with the new art gallery, this new development will undoubtedly help to improve people's perception of Middlesbrough.''

Professor Graham Henderson, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Teesside, said: "It will strengthen our mission of encouraging widening participation in our activities and make a direct and highly visible contribution to the social and economic regeneration of the area.

"It will also help us in our aim to deliver excellent learning and teaching for our students."

"This development will add to our commitment to the region and to the development of art and design and the creative industries in the North-East.'