A SCHOOL has been earmarked for a new community arts centre in Guisborough.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has been trying to identify a suitable location for the theatre and performance space in the town after there was an outcry from campaigners demanding their own facilities in the market town.

Members of the Earthbeat Theatre Company and local residents protested outside a council meeting last year in an attempt to persuade the authority to give them use of the town’s former Register Office.

However, the council decided to sell the Westgate property to the highest bidder which turned out to be a pub chain.

Since that decision was made, the council has been looking at suitable sites in the town that could accommodate all of the community groups calling for a specialist centre.

The council shortlisted two potential sites: the Guisborough Youth and Community building and the King George V playing fields, next to the swimming pool.

However, when they carried out a feasibility study, two other options were identified: The Laurence Jackson School sports hall and a new build on the school site.

Councillor Norman Pickthall, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “The Guisborough area has a thriving cultural scene and we are keen to ensure that any new facility offers value for money and can accommodate a variety of performance organisations.

“The Council has worked extremely hard to find suitable sites with our preferred option being the creation of a community hub at the Laurence Jackson School site.

“This is the most cost effective and sustainable option that would enhance the proposed development planned for the School.”

Members of Earthbeat met with the council to discuss two sites they had identified as suitable for their purpose: Langbaurgh House and the Territorial Club.

Both options were ruled out by the council as the South Tees NHS Foundation Trust didn’t plan selling the former while members of the club didn’t think a possible move to the town’s library would suit their needs.

According to the report Earthbeat will continue to look for an alternative venue in the town as they didn’t think the school venue would be suitable.

Members of the council’s cabinet will meet at the 25K Centre in Redcar on Tuesday, January 28 to make their decision.