THE first step has been taken towards an exciting new development for the county’s premier arts venue.

The Courtyard is planning to build an extension – or possibly a separate building next to the current one – which will offer performance space for third party arts organisations.

And Herefordshire Council has approved a proposal to support the Courtyard’s funding application bid to the Arts Council England Capital Development Fund.

Chairman of the board at the Courtyard, Roger Morgan, said: “We are seeking £5million from the arts council towards the total cost of the build which is £10million.

“What the Arts Council is keen on, is to see support from other parties. Herefordshire Council owns the building and leases it to the Courtyard Trust.

“It’s important in terms of gaining the confidence of the arts council that we are not going to be chucking their money away that the council are on board and participating in the project.”

The council will contribute to the project through project management, dealing with issues such as planning permission and infrastructure.

The Courtyard’s application to the Arts Council must be submitted before the middle of October.

Jesse Norman, the MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, is lobbying on the Courtyard’s behalf.

“We will then know the final decision in the middle of 2017,” said Mr Morgan.

“If that is successful we can start looking to fundraise for the remaining cost.”

They will be looking to specific trusts and foundations that can provide funding but will also be exploring individual giving.

It is anticipated that the capital project will start in 2018/19 – within 18 months of Arts Council England announcing the outcome of the funding bid.

The financial subsidy provided by Herefordshire Council for the Courtyard Centre for the Arts was withdrawn earlier this year.

The capital development scheme provides the means for the Courtyard to become financially sustainable without having to be reliant on an ongoing council subsidy.