Doncaster Council has approved plans for the creation of a new £22.3m performance venue in the heart of the town - part of a wider £300m civic and cultural quarter development.

Arts Team - part of Renton Howard Wood Levin - has designed the new arts complex, which will boast a 600-seat main auditorium and a flexible, second space to cater for 200 seated or 400 standing. Dance and drama studios; two spaces for learning and hospitality; and a café and bar area also form part of the planned venue, which will feature a glass-fronted design and will replace the existing Civic Theatre.

Meanwhile, plans for a new civic square have also been approved by the council's planning committee. Raised lawns and water features will feature as part of the Whitelaw Turkington-designed public space. Jonathan Wood, cabinet member for business and regeneration for the council, said: "The venue and civic square will be major assets for our local economy adding to our growing portfolio of tourist attractions and becoming a catalyst for growth in our creative industries.

"The new public realm will be the perfect place for socialising. This will increase footfall and create opportunities for existing and new businesses to exploit." The arts complex has benefited from Yorkshire Forward investment worth £9.1m as part of a £16.6m contribution towards the wider civic and cultural quarter development, the first phase of which is due for completion in spring 2013.