CAMPAIGNERS trying to prevent the final curtain falling at an arts venue have put forward alternative proposals for the facility.

Darlington for Culture believes it has a viable business plan to run Darlington Arts Centre, which is expected to close next summer as part of council cuts.

The group’s proposals counter a vision which Darlington Borough Council has drafted for the future provision of arts and culture within the town.

The council’s preferred option, which will be debated by the authority’s cabinet on Tuesday, is to close the current venue and use the proceeds from the sale, along with external funding, to build a performance centre alongside the town hall.

John Gibson, Darlington for Culture treasurer, cast doubt on the plans, saying the council may not be able to sell the site for as much as it hoped.

He also expressed concern about the uncertainty of bidding for funding.

The group has already taken over the running of the venue for two days a week.

There are fears that some groups would fold during the interim period of it closing and a new venue opening.

Mr Gibson said: “Our financial projections suggest that the centre can have a viable future for years to come.”

The group’s business plan is to buy the site from the council via an asset transfer by using the new Localism Act.

Mr Gibson said: “I’m deeply concerned that the council is rattling things through very quickly and averting any impact from the Localism Act.

“Next Tuesday’s meeting is critical for us. We think the decision is morally wrong.

It’s badly thought-out.”

The council’s vision includes creating a hub in the town centre around the Civic Theatre and proposed performance centre.

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said: “Darlington Arts Centre is a great venue and many visitors and residents are hugely fond of the building.

“But, in terms of support of the arts in Darlington, while there is sadness at the proposed loss of the building, there is also a great deal of opportunity.

“We have a site, support from our partners and the potential funding, for a range of brand new facilities in the town centre, including a cinema and a new arts hub to replace the Arts Centre.”

Concerns have also been raised about the Arts Council recalling a previous grant used to refurbish the Arts Centre between 2004 and 2007.

Alison Clark-Jenkins, regional director of Arts Council England, said: “We are pleased that audiences will continue to experience great art through the Civic Theatre, and we are in conversation with the council around plans for the Arts Centre.

“The conditions around our previous capital investment will be discussed as part of our ongoing negotiations going forward.”