Plans for art centre move forward

The new centre could help with the regeneration of Redruth

A £4m plan to convert a former school into a centre for creative industries has taken a major step forward.

The site of the former Redruth Grammar School is being handed over to Cornwall Arts Centre Trust.

The aim is to develop it as Cornwall's main cultural complex, with workshops, recording studios, rehearsal rooms and gallery space.

The director of the Trust said it was an exciting day both for the town and the arts scene.

Positive response

Ross Williams, himself a former pupil of Redruth School, told BBC News: "I think what will happen here in three or four years, if all goes well, is there will be up to 200 people working on site.

"That's a whole range of artists from practitioners to office-based people which I think will make a real difference to the regeneration of Redruth."

Some renovation of the old school site is under way and 15 artists are already working in temporarily refurbished classrooms.

Mr Williams said the response from the local community had been very positive.

"The local school is very supportive and keen to be involved with the performing arts side," he said.

The Trust hopes planning permission will be granted by the end of 2006, with the new centre fully up and running in 2008.