ULVERSTON could have a new intimate theatre if an ambitious plan to convert a redundant church secures funding.

Chris Benefield and Liz Drew, of Ulverston's Tinners' Rabbit Art Gallery and Bookshop, have launched a bid to create a new cultural venue in the Union Street church.

"I walked in there and I just thought this has got to be a theatre!" said Mr Benefield of the building which started life as the town's public baths.

The project would breath new life into the distinctive property which has only been used periodically as a store since it was vacated by the Assembles of God church in around 1980.

The church, which is owned by Ulverston surveyor and valuer Howard Whitaker, needs about £40,000 of work to transform it into the 80 to 100-seat theatre with attached bar that the pair have in mind.

"It's going to do professional, small-cast productions from all over the world and locally.

There will also be jazz, poetry evenings, chamber music and maybe folk.

It will do all sorts of exciting things in a comfortable and intimate environment," said Mr Benefield.

Both believe there is the demand for their performance centre that is currently not fulfilled elsewhere.

"There is a lot going on that doesn't have the right and proper venue," said Mr Benefield.

"Groups have a room above a pub which sometimes works, sometimes doesn't or there is the Coronation Hall which is too large or a church hall which is too small."

Mrs Drew believed there was room in Ulverston for both their centre and the existing grand theatre at The Coronation Hall.

"We are not going to take away anything.

I think it's just going to make Ulverston a more happening town."

Mr Benefield said they were now working to put together the necessary change of use planning application and were about to hire a professional fundraiser to draw down lottery and arts grants to meet set-up costs.

After that, it is hoped that the theatre will pay for its own overheads through subscriptions and box office takings.

"You can't make money in theatres but I feel it would be a very good thing for the town and if we can possibly make it work and at least cover costs we should go for it," said Mr Benefield.

If all goes to plan the business partners envisaged the theatre could be up and running as early as next spring.

Janet Ridal, the manager of the South Lakeland District Council owned Coronation Hall, said from what she know of the plan so far she felt that the new theatre could be "complementary" to what the Coro offered the town.

Ulverston's town centre officer, Jayne Kendall, said she personally supported the idea.

"As someone interested in the arts I think the more spaces we have catering for different needs at different prices is excellent and if Chris is involved it will happen."

Mr Benefield and Mrs Drew are asking people to get in touch with them if they would like to support or contribute to the project in any way.

They can be contacted at The Tinners' Rabbit, on Market Street, or on 01229-588808.