TWO Basingstoke theatre groups have been given the go-ahead to use an empty council-owned building in the town centre.

The borough council’s decision-making Cabinet agreed at a meeting on Tuesday that Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) and BATS Next Generation (BNG) can rent the first and second floor of the council-owned Market Chambers building, in Church Street, for a year.

The majority of the building, which was last refurbished 20 years ago as rehearsal space for The Haymarket theatre, has been empty since 2012 and the council has been considering converting it into homes.

Cabinet members agreed to lease the empty parts to the theatre groups for 12 months.

The council will provide a £9,500 subsidy to take the rent down to £6,000 for the year.

The two groups propose to use the space for rehearsals during the evenings and weekends, and will also be able to offer use of some of the space to a wide variety of other amateur arts organisations including local dance academies and choirs.

Hannah Williams, of Crossborough Hill, a supporter of the groups, told the meeting that the building could be used as a “cultural hub”, adding: “I can see that this could be such an asset to the Top of The Town and the amateur movement.”

Eastrop councillor Stuart Parker added: “I am here this evening to add my support to these proposals and I would like to say a personal thank you to Cllr Izett for allowing this use of Market Chambers.

“I know it will be put to good use and have confidence it will be rewarded through productions put on by BATS and BATS Next Generation.”

Cabinet member for finance and resources, Councillor John Izett, said: “This is a good opportunity to encourage what we want to do as a council which is to enhance the arts and culture offering in the town.”