THE council is looking to buy an historic cinema as part of a multi-million-pound to create a new arts venue in the city.

Worcester City Council was successful in its almost £18 million bid to the government for several projects including transforming the almost 100-year-old Scala Theatre on the corner of the city centre's Angel Place and Angel Street into an arts, theatre and music venue.

Council reports say negotiations continue with the owner of the Scala over the sale but an agreement has been reached over buying the neighbouring grade II-listed Corn Exchange building in Crown Passage.

The cost of buying the buildings has not yet been revealed and will be discussed by councillors in secret.

Committee reports also show the council will be buying three buildings in Foregate Street including takeaway Jaqks Chicken, which would be demolished, as well as estate agents Taylors and the Craft Inn bar.

The cost of the deal as well as compensation to the takeaway owners has also not been revealed.

The council said in July that it had around £410,000 already set aside for buying and demolishing the chicken shop but admits the current budget will unlikely cover the plan and will likely need more money in the future.

Councillors will be meeting next Tuesday (February 9) to give the green light to the move following the news of the successful government funding bid at the end of last year.

The city council revealed its plan to create a 'northern quarter' in Worcester city centre as part of the government's Future High Streets Fund in July last year.

The successful bid means the area around Angel Street and Angel Place, The Foregate, The Cross and Trinity Street would be completely regenerated to create an ‘urban neighbourhood’ focusing on new shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, a new performance and arts venue and other cultural facilities, some family-friendly attractions as well as housing and office space transforming it into a ‘destination’ for young people and families.

The work would cost around £29 million with the city council and other local partners putting forward £11 million alongside the government money.

Strong links between the new northern quarter and the nearby Arches would also be created.

The city's arches are currently being transformed as part of £4.5 million work to create another cultural hub for creative businesses and the arts and create a direct link between Worcester Foregate Street, the Hive and the riverside.

The city council's policy and resources committee meets from 7pm next Tuesday (February 9).