SUPPORTERS of a town community arts centre are keeping their fingers crossed ahead of tomorrow’s expected decision (Thursday, February 15) on a £1.15m Big Lottery bid.

Backers of Chepstow’s Drill Hall were boosted last week when planners gave approval for a 130m sq extension incorporating a new multi-purpose studio, bar, office and dedicated entrance foyer.

It also includes proposals to modernise the look of the "utilitarian" Victorian building, upgrade the kitchen and toilets, improve the heating, and provide more storage space for furniture.

Now they just need the funding, after Monmouthshire councillors gave the go ahead for the scheme, which will increase its capacity from 250 to 310 people.

The hall has been the centre of heated debate over the last six months, with some public meetings hearing the venue’s management accused of ’elitism’ in showing the likes of ballet and opera.

In August, shortly after the Lottery bid was unveiled at a stormy public meeting, popular town opera singer Karl Daymond, 52, collapsed and died at an extraordinary town council meeting, where he was due to speak about wanting more community involvement in running the Drill Hall.

Despite objections from some residents that the revamp would create parking problems if the venue became busier, council development services manager Phil Thomas told last week’s county council meeting that it was a rare opportunity to upgrade such a good venue.

He said it would give a “more modern feel” to the Drill Hall and a “more usable space.”

“It is as sustainable location you can find. Where else are you going to provide these sort of facilities if you don’t provide them here?" he asked.

“There are hundreds and hundreds of parking spaces in the public car parks in the town that you could walk from to get to this facility.

“We think despite the concerns from local residents, which we sympathise with, that’s really a matter for traffic management and enforcement in the area.”

Ward member Cllr Jez Becker (Lib Dem, St Mary’s) said the plans could help enhance a well-used facility.

Cllr Louise Brown told the meeting: “The Chepstow Drill Hall is a good community and arts venue and improving this facility can only be good news for the town,” while Cllr Peter Clarke labelled the Drill Hall a “treasured building".

If the Lottery Bid is successful, the community arts venue is planned to be transferred as an asset from Monmouthshire County Council to Chepstow Town Council, who will then lease the venue to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

A business plan for the venue was backed by Chepstow Town Council last month, after Cllr Becker warned members that putting the decision back again could effectively “kill the lottery bid”.

The meeting heard complaints that people wanted a cinema, rather than an opera venue.