THE DISUSED Spectrum Arena complex could re-open for business if council chiefs can find a sustainable future for the ill-fated venue.

The £11 million centre was built in Birchwood in 1980 by the Commission for New Towns, but to the dismay of townsfolk, it closed in 1988.

The arena re-opened last January after a £250,000 refurbishment, and a new 'superclub' playing dance music was launched.

But it went into liquidation seven months later when Congleton-based managing company The Gandey Organisation abandoned the venue.

Now, council bosses are working on a scheme to rejuvenate the venue's prospects - but say music and entertainment are unlikely to top the bill.

Chief Executive Steven Broomhead said: "We are working hard with a number of partners to provide a new future and usage for Spectrum. It has not been used as a concert hall for some time - they had a go at rave music and that clearly did not work."

He added: "It is heavily used by the media industry for studio work, but obviously that is only temporary. We hope to have concrete plans for its future by the end of November."

The council did not own the controversial arena but was in discussion with other agencies, he said.

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