Councillors have agreed to sell a former cinema for a new live entertainment development.

The sale of the Astoria in Gloucester Place, Brighton, for an undisclosed sum was agreed without opposition by the policy committee of Brighton and Hove City Council.

Buyers Yes No Productions intend to make it into a European centre of excellence.

The restored building will include an auditorium seating 1,800 people, a cinema screen, large stage, bar, restaurant and studio space.

After closing as a cinema, the Astoria became a bingo hall. Later efforts to turn it into a student bar failed on licensing grounds.

Developers were keen to pull it down and use the site for housing before a trust set up to save the cinema successfully applied to have it listed.

Culture Cabinet councillor Ian Duncan said: "This is tremendous news.

"The sale of the building to Yes No will enable it to develop the potential of this neglected site.

"The Astoria will be restored to the centre of cultural life in the city and make a major contribution in the future."

Deputy council leader Jackie Lythell said: "This is a timely announcement.

"The Astoria is a very important venue and the plans of Yes No are very exciting.

"This further strengthens the bid of Brighton and Hove to be the European Capital of Culture."

Tory councillor Geoffrey Theobald also welcomed the news and said it appeared to be a good deal.

He added: "Having lost the Essoldo in North Street, we should be pleased the Astoria is here to stay."