A FIRST glimpse of an eagerly-anticipated £600,000 arts centre has been released by architects this week.

Groundworks Architects have released artists' impressions detailing how the former Victorian magistrate's Court in the heart of Otley will be changed.

Work to convert the building in Courthouse Street into a vibrant and attractive new centre for training, arts and community activities will begin shortly, with its doors opening to the public in spring 2004.

The courthouse has been designed to offer fully accessible facilities, including a brand new IT suite for multi-media, training and workshop rooms, a crche area, caf and a large fully equipped multi-purpose hall for meetings, performance, music, dancing, film showings and exhibitions and a music technology suite will eventually be installed in the old police cells.

The Citizens' Advice Bureau will benefit from refurbished, accessible office accommodation and attractive counselling rooms.

Groundworks Architects is a Nottingham-based co-operative partnership which specialises in working with the community, public and voluntary sectors.

Groundworks Architects partner Alison Davies, who is helping with the Courthouse Project, said: "Many of our projects are developed from grass-roots ideas in collaboration with community groups.

"We adopt a two experts approach, which combines our own design skills with the ideas, enthusiasm and insight of local experts. We aim to enable imaginative and attractive, modern design solutions, which also meet our clients more pragmatic needs in terms of value for money, security, accessibility and sustainability."

The whole scheme will be enhanced by a special public art programme.

Artists Lesley Fallais and Les Biggs will be researching themes with local schools and societies, who will help to bring the building alive with creative ideas reflecting the importance of the courthouse within Otley's conservation area.

l If you would like to find out more about how to hire a space in the courthouse for a regular or occasional event, the Programming Committee would like to hear from you.

Send some brief details about your group or activity, and what type of facilities you are looking for (one side A4 please), to the Programming Committee, Courthouse Project, c/o 17, South Parade, Otley or alternatively people can e-mail jessicapenrose@tinyworld.co.uk.