CONTROVERSIAL plans to replace the Winter Gardens with a new £8 million arts centre could take a major step forward next week.

Council chiefs are expected to get the ball rolling by inviting developers to submit proposals for a "cultural quarter" centred around a new purpose-built arts centre.

Potential developers will have a site of just under 2 hectares to play with, including the possibility of redeveloping not just the Winter Gardens but two nearby restaurants and Keystone House.

Key elements of the arts centre would be two theatres, a BSO music education centre, a base for Dance South West, an art house cinema, a bar or restaurant and outdoor performance space.

Developers will be asked to create a prominent entrance for the glass-fronted arts centre, improve pedestrian access along Exeter Road and keep as many trees as possible to retain the site's sylvan feel.

The council is also prepared to see up to four storeys of housing built on the site - whether it is student accommodation, open market housing, live-work units for artists or affordable housing.

Cllr Angela Manton, project champion, said: "Our research tells us local people want a facility not just for classical performances but somewhere they can see comedy, jazz, dance, world music and much more.

"By combining arts education with professional artists and performances, we will be able to create something with life and activity day and night, the centrepiece of our cultural quarter.

"Given the many people who previously supported saving the Winter Gardens, we hope that they can take the time to find out all about this scheme, get as excited about the plans as we are and get involved as much as possible."

First published: September 3, 2005