A multi-million pound scheme to refurbish an arts centre has been put on hold.

Extensive renovation work to Horsham Arts Centre is not expected to start until 2002, almost a year later than originally planned.

Horsham Council, which owns the venue, says it needs more time to get the £5.2 million funding together for the scheme, which will include a bid for National Lottery cash.

A council leisure services spokesman said: "There is still a long way to go in terms of getting the money needed but we are hopeful that we will be ready to begin work after the 2001/2 panto season.

"This is an important development for Horsham and we have to do it justice.

"That is why we are not rushing into things. We want to make sure everything is in place before we bid for lottery funding and hopefully get the project under way."

The aim of the refurbishment is to encourage more people to use the centre instead of travelling to venues in larger towns such as Crawley.

The plans for the centre involve adding an extra cinema screen and renovating the ground floor.

The bar and restaurant area will move from the first floor to the ground floor to make room for a new 170-seat cinema.

The ground floor and main entrance will be extended to provide a new bar and reception area with a glass-fronted entrance.

The site currently has one 126-seat cinema and a 460-seat theatre. It is a focal point for amateur and professional stage productions, including the annual pantomime.