THE PEOPLE of Otley will play an influential role in shaping the future of the town’s arts centre.

The Courthouse’s expansion plans, which include creating a new 300 seat auditorium, received a major boost in December when Leeds City Council confirmed its support.

The local authority is offering the venue the option of using the land to the rear of the existing building, on North Parade, for a peppercorn rent under a long-term lease arrangement.

It has also agreed to give the Courthouse a three year ‘window’ in which to draw together a detailed scheme and funding plan.

Now the centre’s board has met to decide on the next steps.

Centre Director Laura Kox said: “We first want to thank everyone who has taken the trouble to come in and offer their best wishes for our development plans.

“People have been very excited, as are we.

“There is a long process in front of us and the Board were keen to stress that, while our development plans are obviously of great importance to us, our priority will be to ensure that our current facilities and programming continue to provide the very best to Otley and the surrounding area.

“We will be meeting with Leeds City Council representatives in the very near future to pin down the exact terms of their offer and, at the same time, we will be beginning to look for funders and invite tenders from experienced project management companies who would like to work alongside us.”

The detailed proposals for the project are already well advanced thanks, largely, due to a public survey the Courthouse carried out in late 2016.

The results were used to draw up a scheme that would see additional meeting rooms and a new entrance created, along with the larger new, multi-use, auditorium.

Board member Hazel Costello says efforts will be made to keep the public involved at each step as the scheme progresses.

She said: “”Our 2016 survey took place when the idea of an enlarged Courthouse was simply a dream.

“It is now much nearer being a reality and I am sure we can really get local people enthused and involved in what we are hoping to achieve.

“Further surveys, public meetings and - of course - fundraising will all play a major part in our 2020 Vision for Otley Courthouse, and we will continue to keep everyone up to date with our progress.”