AFTER more than ten years of tireless fund-raising the structure of the new Number 8 arts centre has begun to take shape above the Pershore skyline.

Before the end of this year the town will be the proud possessor of its own 250-seat auditorium equipped for live theatre, cinema, dance and touring shows. However, the arts centre at Number 8, High Street, will be much more than just a theatre.

Hidden away behind the faade but visible from an entrance on Broad Street, the surprisingly large construction site is beginning to reveal the extent of the project.

Next to the auditorium the Courtyard Room is beginning to take shape. This will be a community venue, complete with a sprung floor, ballet bar and mirror wall, which will be available for hire to local groups.

Above the stage area will be a fully equipped and self-contained studio overlooking the Abbey, which will be used for meetings, art and craft lessons and training courses.

The theatre itself features two side galleries, a pitched roof auditorium and seating that will enable the space to be adapted for use as a conference hall or venue for antiques fairs. The theatre will also provide a permanent base for Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society and lead to the formation of a youth theatre in Pershore.

The large foyer at the front of the building will contain a box office, caf bar and ice-cream booth. On the north and west sides the walls will double as an art gallery.

Ray Steadman, managing director of Number 8, said that the design of the new buildings, by award-winning architect William McMorran, reflected their prominent position within the town.

"Number 8 will enhance the centre of the town. We will replace a rundown old supermarket and restore the Grade II listed faade to provide an attractive, vibrant and welcoming focal point for townspeople and visitors, something of which we can all be proud," he explained.

Board chairman Jane Daniels said the finished design of the centre, which will be open six days a week, had been the result of a long listening process. "Comfortable seats and plenty of loos have been the main requests when consulting potential audiences. We are aiming to provide a welcoming, friendly, safe and accessible venue for all members of the community, be they three or 93.

"None of this would have been possible without the ongoing enthusiasm of our army of volunteers and the wholehearted support of our board of directors, sponsors and supporters who have encouraged us over many years of hard work. Also, a special thanks should go to our patron Alistair McGowan.

"The year 2004 promises to be very exciting for Number 8, Pershore and surrounding villages."

While construction work continues at the site to meet the autumn deadline it will be business as usual at the Number 8 charity shop, which has already raised a substantial chunk of the £1.2 million budget. "We still need donations of furniture, bric-a-brac and clothing to provide the means to equip the building," added Jane.

For information about donating goods to the charity shop or sponsoring the project call Number 8 on 01386 561372.