Talks underway to build a new theatre in Wolverhampton

Central Youth Theatre (CYT) is in talks to take over the old Co-op shop above the Moon Under Water pub in Lichfield Street.

Bosses hope to revitalise the town centre and create a cultural corner as the site is directly opposite the Grand Theatre.

For the plans to become reality, £15,000 needs to be raised by the end of this year.

Jane Ward, CYT director, said: "Our aim would be to take over 10,000 square feet of the old Co-operative building and revitalise the town centre.

"We have been working alongside the company that currently owns the building for the past six to nine months, and we are looking to bring it back to life.

"We wouldn't be looking to take over the whole building but just take one section of it as the location is ideal for us being opposite the Grand and the bus station."

The theatre is currently based in Newhampton Arts Centre.

Chiefs hope that the Hilarity Charity Gala, to be held at the Grand Theatre on June 8, will generate cash to help fund the move.

Mrs Ward added: "The gala night will be the launch of a major capital fundraising campaign to help the youth theatre achieve a new permanent home and we are aiming to raise around £15,000.

"We want to get the word out there as we have a great line-up, including Inbetweeners star Greg Davies headlining.

"Ultimately by moving and having a bigger space to work in we hope to get more young people on board and offer an increased range of activities so that they can grow their talents in every aspect of theatre work.

"It is an exciting time for us as we've just celebrated our 30th anniversary and now we want to secure our future and make it epic."

Discussions have also been held with the Grand Theatre, with staff at the city's main theatre supporting the idea by CYT.

The relocation would also mean that everything could be based in one place for the youth theatre, including its extensive costume range and office.

Last year, the theatre group was one of 12 voluntary organisations to have its local authority funding axed amid cuts by Wolverhampton City Council, when it lost its annual grant of just over £13,000.

News of this sparked a petition which gathered 1,400 names and even attracted the support of Wolverhampton soul singer Beverley Knight.

But the theatre was granted £10,000 through the Local Education Partnership which secured its future for the next 12 months.