THE Artwise youth and arts centre at Ramsgate could move to a new site in the town.

Nigel Baker, the county council's assistant head of youth and community, has confirmed that it is an option for facilities at the St Luke’s Avenue complex to be incorporated as part of the proposed Marlowe Academy that is scheduled to open in late 2005 and will replace the Ramsgate School.

He said: “The youth and community service is looking to extend its existing provision in Ramsgate through the development of a close working relationship with the new Marlowe Academy.

“The Service will be discussing a range of proposals with the academy’s trustees and new principal once recruited.

“The academy is to specialise in performing arts, and will offer high quality and specialised facilities for the use of young people and the wider community including recording studios, rehearsal space, dance studios and a theatre."

Mr Baker stressed: “There is potential to relocate Artwise to the Marlowe Academy close-by which would help us to provide greater services and facilities to the young people who use the centre."

“However, it is important to emphasise that a decision has not yet been made over the relocation and any decision will only be made after thorough consultation with the young people at Artwise.”

An estimated £250,000 refurbishment programme has recently been completed at Artwise including essential repairs to the roof, windows and floor.

Mr Baker said the work was commissioned before any possibility of relocation to the Marlowe Academy emerged.

He added: “Any potential move to the academy remains nearly two years away so in the meantime, KCC has a commitment to provide the best possible facilities in its youth centres.

“For this reason, the work at Artwise was necessary in spite of any future relocation.”