HOPES are high that a new arts and resource centre in Otley will open next year.

Voluntary groups, artists, performers, societies and other organisations are all set to be housed in the former Otley Magistrates Court building in Courthouse Street.

It is planned the centre will also be the permanent home of Otley Film Society and become a central point for many different societies and support organisations.

Architects are now carrying out a feasibility study on the Leeds City Council owned building and project workers hope positive progress will be made by summer next year.

Rachel Feldberg, of The Courthouse Project, said the centre would support local voluntary groups, give access to advice and information services and would also be a base for arts activities.

The centre will also remain the permanent home of Otley Citizens Advice Bureau.

She said: "There'll be meeting, rehearsal and training rooms available, together with a large space for performances, healthy activities, meetings, exhibitions, craft fairs and film shows.

"Much to the delight of the project, the CAB will stay in the building, hopefully in expanded premises and there'll be room for other advice and support organisations like the Credit Union - and visits from agencies like Voluntary Action Leeds. Local voluntary or arts groups looking for an office will be welcome too."

Questionnaires have been sent out to Otley people asking for ideas about what form the centre should take.

Ms Feldberg said the response from people had been very positive.

"Thanks to feedback, we have identified the need for a 'messy room' where people can get on with their activities, build carnival floats or get involved in working with clay, without worrying about the mess they're causing."

She added playgroups, youth groups and playschemes would also benefit from a 'scrap store' - a place where offcuts and equipment could be used by all the different groups.

There are also plans to put up a community notice board and open a caf with a 'family feel'.

Ms Feldberg added the caf could also be used as a place where artists and crafts people could sell their work.

The centre will be run by volunteers and will be very much a local place for local people.

"The Courthouse Centre represents a new way of doing things. Over the last six years we've been in touch with innovative projects all over the country, getting advice and studying how it's done and we've seen for ourselves how successful projects like this, run by local people van be," said Ms Feldberg.

The group plans to hold a public meeting in Otley before Christmas when supporters will be able to talk to architects, Alison Davies and Steve Banks from Groundworks Architects, and talk through the designs.

From then, the group plans to start looking for funding from various agencies.

"We are hoping by July next year we'll have a clear picture," said Ms Feldberg.

l Anyone interested in the Courthouse Project can telephone Rachel Feldberg on (01943) 462826 or email tcp@arthouse.demon.co.uk.