LANCASTER'S Storey Institute could be transformed into a regional centre of creative excellence, if a £1.5m grant application is successful.

Lancaster City Council's bid for the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to add to £750,000 from the Arts Council will see the Institute regain its place at the centre of creative arts and sciences.

And that is just what original benefactor and industrialist Sir Thomas Storey wanted.

Chris Pearson, the council's principal regeneration officer, says: "This is a key funding bid in our ambitions to transform this important historic building into a vibrant centre for the creative industries, accessible and welcoming to all sectors of the community.

"The money will ensure this important heritage asset has a purposeful and viable future that enables it to be widely enjoyed.

"The HLF grant would be primarily spent on the physical works needed to protect the fabric of the building and restore its important historical architectural features.

"It would also be spent on ensuring the building can be accessed by a wide audience who want to participate in the heritage and culture of the building."

The city council will find out in June whether or not its bid has been successful.