DETAILS of three possible redevelopment schemes for Otley Civic Centre have been announced.

Leeds City Council has confirmed it will be holding discussions with a Community Interest Company, a businessman and a residential developer about the future of the Grade II Listed building.

The information was issued following a request by Otley Town Council about the shortlisted expressions of interest which are being considered.

The possibility of the Civic Centre being sold for a non-community use has enraged campaigners, while Leeds insists its focus is on securing a 'sustainable future use'.

In his reply Councillor Richard Lewis, the city council's Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: "I am providing details of each party’s proposals and further information regarding their business plans, track records, and ability to undertake such a refurbishment is being requested."

The three schemes involve:

*The regeneration of the Civic Centre by a Community Interest Company whose goal is 'to bring people together in an indoor marketplace of enterprise, events and retail/leisure experience'. It would involve providing community and enterprise spaces along with areas for hosting events, markets and local history exhibits along with 'hotel/hostel' accommodation

*Restoring the property for residential use by a developer which specialises in historic buildings, and whose previous projects have included conversions of Grade II mills in Preston and Leeds

*A businessman's multi-use scheme that would include renting out the basement for storage and renting several rooms to the local karate club, plus creating a new coffee shop at the entrance. A variety of further possible uses - including a creche, community centre, sports room, ballet group dance space and cinema - are also proposed.

Concluding his letter to town council Chairman Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield), Cllr Lewis said: "No final decision has been taken to select a party, and I would welcome your views."

Cllr Georgeson said: "I thank Cllr Lewis for his prompt response to my letter and the additional information.

"I appreciate his offer of a meeting and will take this up after the half-term holidays, as his response still leaves several major questions unanswered - including the important principle of whether or not Leeds remains committed to retaining the building for community use and in the ownership of the community."

Give Otley Its Town Hall! campaign Chairman Tom Featherstone said: "Otley residents are dismayed that Leeds are considering handing Otley's only civic building to a developer.

"Leeds have clearly committed previously to the Civic Centre continuing as a venue for the community and this flies in the face of that.

"l urge people to sign our petition at otleytownhall.co.uk."

MP Greg Mulholland MP (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) echoed those views, and added: "It is disappointing that Leeds continue to press on with plans to get rid of the Civic Centre without proper consideration of the realistic proposal to refurbish the Listed front building to again be Otley's town hall and civic theatre.

"It is also unacceptable that they continue to try to press on with these plans before Otley Town Council have asked residents for their views."