THE next stage in the revamp of Skipton Town Hall – to restore the concert hall, the cultural heart of the building – is to be kickstarted.

Craven councillors have agreed to provide £20,000, from its localism reserve, to pay for a feasibility study aimed at opening the way to secure cash to help pay for the project.

If the study convinces the Arts Council of its cultural and artistic potential to boost the community, it could release up to half-a-million pounds towards the project.

It would follow the £770,000 spent on restoration work last year, which saw the construction of a new entrance in Jerry Croft and the refurbishment of other areas.

Arts overseer in Craven, Cllr Simon Myers (Cons), told the policy committee: "We need to speculate to accumulate. This is the time to take things forward."

And he was backed by Cllr Robert Heseltine (Ind), who referred to the money already spent on building a new entrance in Jerry Croft and improvements to other areas of the building.

He said: "If we don't agree to this next stage, it would be like spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar. We have a chance to get grants, so let's get on with it."

Other external work still to be completed on the building will include the removal of the disabled lift and restoration of the steps on the High Street facade.

A report to councillors said the aim is to make the town hall a focal point for events and community use, to sustain its historic characteristics – the building was constructed in 1860 – and to develop high-quality commercial and leasing opportunities.

The feasibility study would provide the information to help bid for external funding, and it would be necessary to demonstrate the financial viability of the project and that it would bring art and culture to everyone.

If the Arts Council is convinced of its potential, it would open up the way for grants ranging between £100,000 and £499,999.

They are awarded on an annual basis, and applications must be submitted by October/November this year, so it is important that preparation of the feasibility study started as soon as possible, councillors were told.

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