City architecture centre set to win five-year lease of life

The team behind the architecture centre is asking for planning permission to stay until November 30, 2015.

Originally it was meant to be removed by November 30, 2011.

But in its submission the charitable trust says relocating would put its future at risk as they have limited funds.

The sloping building, designed by architect Niall McLoughlin, with its forest of wind turbines outside has been visited by thousands of schoolchildren and hosts exhibitions as well as courses.

One of 18 Architecture Centres in England, the Arc is the only one with its own purpose-built hub.

Chief executive Michael Haughton said the building could still be moved but they would have to weigh up the costs first.

Originally the idea was to move it to another part of the city, but Mr Haughton said: "We do lots of outreach work so you don't need to move the building to carry out the work."

Planning officers are recommending conditional approval of the application, being heard next Wednesday, which attracted just one objector – who called it an "eyesore that defiles the character and appearance of the Old Town conservation area".

Planners state: "A building of this nature, massing and scale is not a suitable solution for the long-term development of the site but it would be preferable on a short term basis to the site becoming vacant."

There have been criticisms that the 750,000 building is not as environmentally sustainable as originally envisaged.