The new chairman of the board of the Priestley Centre was today getting down to the challenge of opening the theatre as soon as possible.

Tom Sandford was elected chairman of the board of the Priestley Centre for the Arts Limited at an extraordinary general meeting two days ago.

Members voted 34 votes to 11 to keep the centre open instead of the old board's recommendation that it should go into voluntary liquidation.

Members backed a rescue plan put forward by former board member Mr Sandford who revealed he had secured a £40,000 bank loan.

He said a further £18,000 had been received in private donations since the theatre ceased trading at the end of January.

The entire board, including former chairman Glen Boldy resigned. Mr Boldy said today he was also quitting as a member after being involved for 20 years. He insisted the former board had a rescue plan which could have worked but members were unable to get the financial package together at the 11th hour.

Mr Sandford said he was confident they could get the historic theatre in Chapel Street, Little Germany, reopened within weeks.

Alan McMahon, the owner of neighbouring derelict Eastbrook Hall, revealed his company had contributed £5,000 to help the Priestley Centre.

Mr McMahon said: "I am pleased they are hoping to keep on. I think they would be a great loss."

Mr Sandford said: "I am very pleased about the result of the meeting. We turned what was going to be presented as a failure into a success.

"One of the main things is to settle all the existing short-term debts and they will be paid."

He said the donations and the bank loan gave them a chance to get a new business model in operation.

"We need to retain usage of the building but the company will remain a charity and continue to be run as a community resource.

"We will be offering space to rent which will be targeted at arts groups."

He said jazz evenings would continue in the centre and he hoped a performance by the New Act group, which included new and old members would go ahead on April 2.