WITH plans for a new arts centre in ruins, the Nonentities Society's "Plan B" - to make the Rose Theatre the district focus for the arts - has taken centre stage.

The long-held dream of the owners and resident company of Kidderm-inster's theatre to create a new facility as part of the redevelopment of the town centre collapsed last year. Nonentities chairman Colin Young at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre, which is about to be renovated and expanded.

It was to have included a 350-seat theatre, studio theatre, studios, bars, meeting rooms and display spaces - "everything a town of this size should have" according to Nonentities chairman Colin Young.

"I'm heartbroken," he said. "I think it's a crying shame that Kidderminster can't find the money to build something that not only involves people sitting and enjoying the arts but that enables people to go and perform and make and do."

The Nonentities are now planning a comprehensive £90,000 refurbishment of their Chester Road theatre.

The bulk of the cash, from the Nonentities itself, will realise a complete redecoration of the bar and foyer and a refurbishment of the toilets. Work will start later this summer.

A lottery grant, on which a decision is awaited, of between £30,000 and £35,000 would pay for enhancing disabled facilities, including a new chair lift, new disabled toilets and an audio loop.

And it would fund a conservatory-style atrium - which already has planning permission - to provide extra pre- and post-performance seating.

The lottery grant would also allow the Nonentities to appoint a professional director for one play a year and a professional lighting designer for another.

Mr Young explained: "Both will be doing master classes to which we will invite all performing organisations to attend free of charge."

Last month the Rose Theatre took over the Youth Theatre from the district council. It has 22 young people aged from 12 to 16, with two qualified drama teachers, which puts on plays of its own and provides young actors for Nonentities' productions.

"It's something we think is needed," added Mr Young. "I see us as the centre of the arts in the district."