A former community centre in Cheltenham looks set to have a new life as an education centre.

The Everyman Theatre bought the centre in Grove Street last year, after community organisation Cheltenham West End Partnership announced it would be closing.

Now The Everyman has submitted plans to Cheltenham Borough Council to transform it into an education centre.

Despite the fact it has been in 'continuous use' as an education centre since 1996, the building's designated use was as a community centre. The Everyman was granted a Lawful Development Certificate by the council in March to confirm its use as an education centre for the future.

The council said it would be supportive of proposed external alterations to the building and landscaping works.

Currently, the ground floor of the building is made up of a large number of rooms of varying sizes. The plans would see a large workshop/ rehearsal space, with a green room/ meeting room and store/ dressing room, along with four toilets, including one disabled toilet, on the ground floor.

Under The Everyman's plans, the outside of the building would be transformed with a red painted metal sign above the door with white lettering to show the building's name - Everyman Education Centre. Part of the building would also be rendered in shades of red.

Landscaping works would include native tree species, timber planters, block paving and Cotswold stone gravel, along with a bike shelter for 12 bikes and secure bin and recycling storage areas.

A council officer said: "Officers are supportive of such proposals and consider that these works would improve and enhance the design of the building/ site and would have a positive impact on the character of the street scene and conservation area."

The proposals are out for consultation until May 16.