A MILLION pounds is needed to help redevelop an arts centre desperately in need of new space and facilities.

Number Eight in Pershore, a rapidly developing centre for the arts, is already home to many artists, craftspeople and dancers.

Its busy timetable of art, music, dance, and writing classes has prompted Pershore Theatre Arts Association fund raising committee into organising a launch party at Wychavon District Council Civic Centre to complete the development.

Pershore Theatre Arts Association is the registered charity driving the project and aims to raise £1m over the next year.

The current target for completion is January, 2004. Number Eight has already created a gallery, a dance studio and an arts studio.

The centre requires new funding to finance additions such as a rehearsal room, a meeting room, and a 250-seat multi-purpose auditorium.

"We are now virtually up to full capacity after a few classes a week" said Jane Daniels, chairman of Pershore Theatre Arts Association.

"We have 18 dance classes a week, Latin American, tap, ballet and baton swirling. We've had something going on every day for children over half-term."

Mrs Daniels said that the new surge of activity at the centre is thanks to the recent addition of arts administrator Charlotte Saunders.

"The most exciting thing that has happened in the last month or so is that we got a Regional Arts Lottery Programme Award to appoint an arts administrator," Mrs Daniels said.

"Charlotte has brought in a lot of new arts activities especially for children. She's now planning stuff for the summer holidays."

Professional

The sum of £10,000 from the lottery fund meant that Number Eight were able to engage professional artists to work with children and participate in projects with various schools.

Mrs Daniels also attributes the success of the centre to the "tremendous enthusiasm of the volunteers".

"Over 50 volunteers every week are working hard to achieve this goal" she said, stressing the important role that volunteers in the Number Eight charity shop play.

Number Eight is in an old Co-op building, with a grade two listed front which cannot be altered when the rest of the building is redeveloped

For further information about Number Eight contact 01386 555028.