ARCHITECTS have given the thumbs up to a bid to turn Kidderminster Town Hall into a thriving arts complex.

A study has been handed to councillors giving the all-clear to a £3 million plan which would bring theatre, live music and a caf to the 19th century building.

And Wyre Forest people would be able to catch a movie as part of the refurbishment as the plans - prepared by Herefordshire firm Artserve - call for cinema facilities at the site.

The crux of the study is a recommendation to make the 148-year-old Music Room suitable for theatre and rock music events and to turn the Corn Exchange extension into a Bistro style caf.

New rehearsal and changing rooms would be built as part of the project - the fate of which will be decided by members of Wyre Forest District Council - with up to £400,000 of the cash spent on providing disabled access and carrying out work on the prized William Hill organ.

However, the council chamber and court room would remain untouched following talks over the Grade II listed building with English Heritage.

Portfolio holder for leisure at the council Ken Stokes said: "It provides a real opportunity for us to do something positive for all sectors of the community.

"As well as theatre events, we will be able to provide a wide range of music to appeal to all tastes from pop and rock bands to local and visiting artists from classical backgrounds."

Mr Stokes said the work - which could be underway by 2005 - would save taxpayers money as the council currently forks out about £200,000 a year to pay for the upkeep of the building.

He said: "The council will not have to subsidise it so much as we hope the building will be used more. The majority of the programmes at the moment are of a classical nature and so we are going for a wider audience."

Mr Stokes - who said installing a film projector in the Music Room was one of the options being considered - said funding for the arts project could come through grant agencies.