A NEW sports hall and performing arts centre could open in Bishop's Castle early in 2006.

Terry Hunt, head of the town's Community College, said "This is good news for the College, the town and the surrounding area.

"It will be a terrific facility for a terrific community."

Shropshire County Council's green light for the £1.5 million SpArC (Sports and Arts Centre) project came after more than two years of lobbying.

An earlier plan that included a multi-purpose all-weather pitch had to be dropped because of rising costs.

One of the leading campaigners Peter Phillips, who represents the town on the county council, said: "It is disappointing that the whole project is not to be realised, but we should feel very positive about such a major improvement in facilities in our area."

The new centre will be at the Community College and will include accommodation for teaching drama and games, plus a new fitness suite and changing room.

A new squash court will allow coaching and teaching to take place for the first time in Bishop's Castle.

Inside the existing college buildings, the main hall and gym will have a makeover to provide a top-class performance venue for events of all sizes.

The gym will be used as either a theatre with 150 seats or a studio with space for a display gallery and refreshments.

Mr Hunt predicted SpArC would draw people from a wide area to Bishop's Castle.

"Remote communities along the Welsh border will find it of great value," he said.

The college itself has just under 600 students who come from an area of more than 300 square miles.