Empty Bovey Tracey pub could become £1.7m arts centre

An artist's impression of the Paradiso Centre

An empty pub in Devon could be transformed into an arts centre, with a 100-seat cinema, if enough money can be raised.

Work to transform the old King of Prussia pub in Bovey Tracey into the Paradiso Centre is already under way,

Local businesses have paid for some of the work, alongside government funding and residents buying community shares, but £300,000 still needs to be raised.

The estimated cost of the project is £1.7m.

Those behind the project hope the Paradiso Centre will help develop Bovey Tracey's reputation as a place for the arts.

Work to transform the old King of Prussia pub in Bovey Tracey into the Paradiso Centre is already under way

Chairman of the Bovey Paradiso, David McGahey, said the aim was to keep money in the local economy.

"If you can stay here in the evening, if you can get a meal and a cup of coffee here, then you're more likely to use the other local businesses.

"So the more we can create a virtuous circle, the better it is for us as an arts centre, and for Bovey Tracey."

The Paradiso Centre is opening in phases, with the gallery already hosting exhibitions.

Small businesses and artists like illustrator and author Sarah McIntyre have moved into the new studios created upstairs.

"I've been trying to work from home" she said "but I just can't do it, I need people around.

"It just feels static working from home but here is wonderful."