THE Armstrong Hall could be the location of a new £6 million theatre for Thornbury.

It has been revealed that talks are taking place between members of the Arts and Community in Thornbury (ACT) and the Armstrong Hall Trust.

ACT said last July it was close to announcing a possible location for the theatre and arts complex, but it is only this week that Armstrong Hall has been identified.

Lyn Bedford, from ACT, said: "At the moment we are talking to the Armstrong Hall trustees and we are planning a way forward, working together, which is marvellous."

ACT was launched in 2005 under the premise of building a new theatre and arts complex in Thornbury.

During the last three years the group has raised more than £25,000 through monthly arts events, as well as commissioning a feasibility study to prove the demand for such a facility.

Those involved in the project hope the complex would include exhibition, rehearsal and performance space as well as providing a recording studio, cinema facilities and a place to meet.

ACT had hoped the site of the former cattle market on Rock Street could be used but that was ruled out after the Turnberries Community Centre was built there.

The Armstrong Hall complex, on Chapel Street, is run by a board of trustees, which is made up of Thornbury Town councillors.

The site currently has a stage, dressing rooms, cinema screen and raised seating for 350. There is also a kitchen, smaller meeting rooms and a bar. The complex also includes the 18th century Cossham Hall.

Local groups that use the site include the WI, blood donors, flower clubs, Weight Watchers, Northavon Youth Theatre, Age Concern, fitness groups, Thornbury Arts Festival, Thornbury Amateur Dramactic Society and the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group.

Cllr Shirley Holloway, chairman of the Armstrong Hall Trust, said: "Yes, I can certainly confirm that the Armstrong Hall Trust is having meetings with ACT to see if there is common ground for the aspirations of both organisations to be fulfilled. I really hope that a positive and joint way forward can be found."

Despite the sudden progress of ACT’s project Ms Bedford has said Thornbury residents may have a long wait before they see a new theatre in the town.

She said: "We are excited about this development but we are not getting ahead of ourselves. This project at the moment is looking a lot more long term than first envisaged.

"We are thrilled and excited that we might be able to establish a partnership with the trustees of the Armstrong Hall but we have to remain realistic about this. We are still talking about an awful lot of money."

In February playwright and screenwriter Catherine Johnson accepted the role as Founder Patron of ACT.