A DISUSED former vehicle depot could become a new arts venue under ambitious plans from a group of York volunteers.

The group, whose members have been involved with various York music projects, such as free outdoor parties held last summer and in 2001, has joined with York Arts Action to get the project off the ground.

Planning permission has been secured to change the use of the old depot, in Hungate, near Wynsors World of Shoes.

The volunteers plan to call it The Depot, and use it for art forms including music, dance and performance, digital arts and spoken word.

The building looks set to be demolished as part of the proposed Hungate development so its owners, Evans Property Group, have given the volunteers free use until then.

But they need to raise between £30,000 and £40,000 to make improvements to the building before they apply for licences.

They have organised a series of fundraising gigs, to be held at venues in York, to try and get the money together.

Group spokesman Nigel Rogers said: "There is quite a bit of work to do, but we are very positive about it and hope we can get started within six months."

Nigel said the volunteers were trying to fill a gap in York's club scene that he said cost the city thousands of pounds a week.

He said: "People here are crying out for something a bit different music and venue-wise, and also crying out for the time when they aren't told when they have to go to bed.

"A conservative guess is that a thousand people go clubbing in Leeds from York every weekend. If they spend £30 a night each, another conservative guess, then that is £30,000 lost to York."

Nigel said the volunteers would aim for licences with two 4am finishes a month, and permission to sell alcoholic drinks.

"We expect a few changes. The finishing time might be cut back, we will see how that goes."

Geoff Goodwill, Evans development director, said: "We have discussed this closely with the group and thought this would help get them on their feet."

Dance music fan Nick Lewis, of Bishophill, said: "I hope this can go-ahead, it is just what York needs."

The first fundraising gig takes place tonight at York Railway Institute Sports Club, Hamilton Drive, York. Entry costs £5 and doors open at 8pm.

Updated: 09:32 Friday, January 17, 2003