Ambitious plans for a new 'commercially sustainable' venue in Gloucestershire for events and conferences have been revealed.

According to those involved a potential new 1,000-seater performance venue and conference centre "is a real prospect for Gloucester".

The key is "concerted investment first in local people and existing infrastructure", according to an independent report commissioned by Gloucester City Council and Gloucester Culture Trust.

Paul James, leader of the city council, said: "This is a comprehensive and well researched report. It provides a clear road map towards achieving our ambition to deliver a commercially sustainable new venue in Gloucester for performance, events and conferences.

"The work we need to do around increasing audiences, working together across the city, growing talent and skills and investing in existing spaces like the Guildhall as well as exciting new spaces across the city will provide a strong foundation."

More collaboration between organisations and more involvement by local people were among the essential recommendations, as was refurbishment of the city's Guildhall and better use of existing vacant spaces.

The report, by AEA Consulting, investigated the feasibility of a new 1,000-seat venue and found a wide variety of views about size, design and location for a new building.

It also recognised 'significant funding challenges' presented by such a major investment scheme.

The costs of running an operation offering an all year-round varied programme, considered 'vital to its success' - which would include music, theatre, dance and more - could be anything from £1million to £12million annually.

"Few venues survive without subsidy, which is increasingly hard to secure," said a joint release from the council and the trust.

Adrian Ellis, from AEA Consulting, said: "A new arts centre is an exciting prospect for any county and can be a fantastic asset, but a lot of work needs to be done beforehand, usually over several years, if it is to thrive.

"Successful venues have a clear mission, strong leadership, active audiences, robust partnerships, and reliable funding. All of these things need to be in place if a venue is to prosper."

Hollie Smith-Charles, director of Gloucester Culture Trust, said: "Gloucester is rapidly developing a buzzing, creative scene, and we know there is demand, both from audiences and industry professionals, for more and different venues.

"Gloucester can continue to broaden its cultural landscape in this way, while investigating and preparing the ground for a possible new, permanent venue."

Gloucester Culture Trust is working closely with Gloucester City Council and many other partners across the city to lay the foundations required for a thriving and sustainable performance venue.

Since 2017, much of this work has been supported by Gloucester's £1.5million National Lottery grant for the Great Place Scheme.