Fundraising will now get under way for the new centre, which will include seating for 300, conference facilities, a café and bar and redevelopment of Champney Gardens on the site of Beverley War Memorial Hall.

The plans attracted criticism from a number of local artists and performers who currently use the hall. Councillors yesterday were not impressed by the design of the new building.

Objector Colin Leppington told the meeting that Beverley was in danger of being left with an unfinished venue or without one at all.

However trustee Richard Kemp said the public had been given "erroneous" information by a number of people and insisted that the centre would have a stage, sprung dance floor, proper acoustics and lighting and sound system.

He said the release of "misinformation" into the public arena was "disgraceful".

Councillor John Bird said he could understand why the public did not think there was a stage as it did not show in the plans, but would support the proposals with reservations.

He said: "Now we have lost the Playhouse, now that's gone, if this doesn't go ahead what else is there?"

After the meeting at County Hall, Beverley, Mr Kemp urged the town to get behind the new centre.

They already have pledges of £750,000 from East Riding Council, £500,000 from the town council and private donations, and will seek further support from the business community.

He said: "We have a funding gap of £1m. We now have to
raise this money and it's
essential that the people of Beverley are behind this project as well as the trustees and the council."

Members of the theatrical community insisted their concerns were legitimate and they were not against the demolition of the Memorial Hall.

Mr Leppington, a member of Beverley Arts Trust, said: "In Bridlington they spent £1m just on the stage and equipment.

"We are not convinced they will have sufficient funding to give us an adequately-equipped theatre."