A MAJOR plan for a £1.6million renovation of Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre has been unveiled.

And bosses said it would transform the venue into a stylish new community arts centre.

Proposed changes include creating a spacious downstairs rehearsal area, a more inviting lobby and a cafe bar for visitors and evening functions.

Banners and extra lighting would be installed to improve the look of the outside of the building.

The Lottery will announce in February whether the £1.6million bid - being put together by Gayle Knight who is involved in the Mid Pennine Arts group - has been successful.

It is hoped work would then be completed by 2010.

Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said the plan would "breathe life" into the building and surrounding area.

He said: “It is very exciting and I am very enthusiastic about what these plans can do for the area. We have the right person in Gayle Knight to take this project forward and hopefully we wil have an incredible facility in Hyndburn to promote the arts in all sorts of ways.”

As well as changes to the building and a complete revamp of decor and equipment, funding would also pay for dedicated theatre staff to oversee an educational programme for groups and schools in the area.

The biggest change to the building itself will involve taking out numerous small downstairs rooms to create a large rehearsal area with a small stage for smalley productions.

The area would be mainly used for drama, dance, music and film but could also be used by youth groups, activity classes such as yoga, children’s karate groups or by school drama classes.

The downstairs area would be transformed with a new day and night cafe bar and an opened-up foyer as well as an office for the new theatre staff. The building as a whole would have disabled access throughout, including access back stage.

Gayle Knight, who is co-ordinating the bid on behalf of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “I’ve often thought the building had so much potential and the plans are really coming together now.”

Other aspects of the plans include replacing 20-year-old electrical equipment with the latest lighting, gadgets and effects.