CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Burnley Empire Theatre have been told the owner would be willing to 'gift' the theatre to them after they find a way of bringing it back into use.

The 1,200 seat venue has been out of use for more than 20 years but community group Burnley Empire Theatre Trust is hopeful it will find a way to breathe new life into it.

The trust is ‘eagerly awaiting’ the results of a second viability study, which is hoped will lead to the restoration of the theatre.

The grade II listed building was saved from being auctioned off last year after it defaulted to the care of the Duchy of Lancaster.

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Campaigners are now working with the Duchy, who has told them they would be willing to gift the theatre to the Trust once the second phase determines how it can be brought back into use.

Sophie Gibson, member of the Burnley Empire Theatre Trust, said: “The report will outline the opportunities identified for the important Grade II listed theatre and will identify a clear route for the building’s restoration.

“It builds on the conclusions from the phase one study which was completed in November 2016 and revealed potential opportunity for restoration of the theatre.”

The first phase, which was commissioned by a stakeholder group comprising of the trust, Burnley Council, the University of Central Lancashire, Burnley College, Burnley District Civic Trust and Theatres Trust, focused on the market potential for the building and looked at the economic issues and operating context.

Ms Gibson said: “The group has achieved a great amount in a relatively short period of time.

“Commissioning phase one of the viability study through funding from the council and theatres trust and applying for a project viability grant from the Architectural Fund which is being used to fund phase two of the study along with monies raised by Burnley Empire Theatre Trust.”

Consultants Bonnar Keenlyside and Theatresearch, who work on the redevelopment of theatres, are now working on evolving concepts from phase one.

It involves partnership development, exploration of funding, scoping of works, outline costings for the project and to establish project viability.

It is also putting together a business model and a route map for the next phases of the project.

Ms Gibson said of the offer from the Duchy: “It went up for auction then they became aware of the group and wanted to keep up to date with the progress. We have big support from them.

“We are eagerly awaiting the results to enable the trust to move forward.”

A spokeswoman for the Duchy confirmed the property had been offered to the Trust without charge.

Anyone interested in the progress of the theatre can visit www.burnleyempiretheatretrust.co.uk or email saveme@burnleyempiretheatretrust.co.uk.