Wakefield Council has announced that a new £3m arts centre will be built on Drury Lane.

The facility will comprise around 30 artists’ studios, supported starter studios for new artists and studios for artists in residence or for short-term hire.

Additional facilities will include equipped workshops for use by artists and the local community, training/meeting facilities for artists and others, a quiet room for relaxation, short-stay residential facilities to encourage participation by people from outside the area and a small exhibition space for art and craft products.

The building was designed in consultation with members of The Art House, who are behind the project.

Work is set to start on site in December and the facility is anticipated to open in January 2008.

Wakefield Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Yorkshire Forward and Arts Council England are funding the project.

The Art House was founded in 1994 to build inclusive, flexible and innovative workspaces where technicians can enable artists and craftspeople with disabilities create new work alongside their more able-bodied peers. Details: www.the-arthouse.org.uk

Photograph: The new art centre courtesy of Allen Tod Architecture