A NEW company has been formed to take forward a plan for a major re-development of the Wharf Arts Centre in Tavistock, transforming it into a centre of excellence for the arts.

West Devon Borough councillors, who agreed to help fund feasibility studies into the venture last week, said the scheme could at last 'realise the true potential' of the venue, which was opened in the 1990s.

Support from the Arts Council is being sought to fund the £65,000 study, which will see the preparation of a full business plan and detailed design drawings for the new-look Wharf, which will put education at its heart.

The project, which involves schools and colleges from the Tavistock area, aims to create a centre of artistic excellence in the region and a new model for arts education, including media, design, theatre, music, dance, digital and visual arts and the spoken word.

Tavistock architect Steve Whettem, who designed the Wharf in 1993, will look at the feasibility of adding a regional visual arts gallery, an education and workshop space and to extend the catering provision.

Stephen and Angela Court took over the running of the Wharf seven years ago and have turned around its fortunes in that time, bringing the likes of Nerina Pallot, Elkie Brooks, Imelda May, Joe Bonamassa and The Levellers to the intimate venue. The couple said this was a vision for the future and would be a success if everyone in the town worked together.

'There is no doubt that an investment of this scale could transform the Wharf and really put Tavistock on the cultural map,' said Angela, one of the members of the New Wharf Community Interest Company.

Clare Wesson, headteacher of St Rumon's and St Peter's School, Tavistock and chair of the Tavistock Learning Community, said: 'This is a very exciting idea. It would add another dimension to the learning experience of our students, giving them opportunities to experience and work with the very best local, national and international artists and performers. We want creativity to be at the heart of every Tavistock child's school career.'

If established, the group envisages an organisation that is run on rigorously commercial lines but will be not-for-profit and have charitable status.

Michael Hooten from the New Wharf CIC said: 'It is simply not realistic these days to be dependent on the public purse to keep going but profit is not the only motive for running an effective business.'

Members of West Devon borough council's community services committee last week agreed to allocate up to £8,000 over the next two years to assist the feasibility studies — 20% of the council's available grant scheme funds over that period.

Mayor of West Devon Robin Musgrave said using so much of the budget was an issue, but added: 'The Wharf is an extraordinary facility that has never realised its true potential.

'In the early days it ran into incredible financial difficulties but it is being run as a viable business now.

'As someone who has performed there, I can say it really is a wonderful venue and the acoustics are quite brilliant. I really believe that an investment and developing a centre of excellence for the arts here would take it to that higher level.'

Since 1995 The Wharf has been run as an arts centre with theatre, concert hall, cinema and art gallery with a waterside coffee shop and bar.

If the new project goes ahead the catering provision will be increased to generate funding for the centre.

Cllr Nick Morgan said the arts council was very keen to support this application: 'It is important we show our support for the application to have some success. This is very much supported by the colleges and schools and has a strong educational element within a centre of excellence for arts and culture.'