Last updated 19:46, Thursday, 06 November 2008

WORKINGTON town centre’s Hub will provide an international arts programme after Allerdale council agreed to look for a partner to manage the Washington Square artwork.

It will cost about £60,000 over three years, and council officers have been given the go-ahead to search for a partner.

The council wants the Hub to provide an international programme of music, theatre and art.

The centrepiece was paid for out of a £2.74 million artwork grant from the Northwest Development Agency.

Part of the agreement was that The Hub must stay in council ownership and there must be a programme of activity to draw visitors to the town.

The council worked with Soundwave, a not-for-profit organisation, during development and installation of The Hub, a report to councllors said.

The management arrangement will cost around £20,000 each year for three years.

The report added: “Since in effect it is similar in nature and size to the task of running the Carnegie Theatre, it will require a similar level of resource to operate.”

Deputy council leader Margaret Jackson said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity we have.”

Coun Alan Smith said Workington was at the cutting edge with the Hub’s sound technology, which should be exploited.

Insurance costs are not included in the £60,000 estimate and councillors agreed that if any more money was needed for the Hub, it should come back to the council for ratification and not be decided by officers.