Plans for the transformation of a former town hall in Birkenhead, Merseyside, into a new community arts centre dedicated to the memory of late broadcaster John Peel have taken a step forward.

Wirral Council has invited The Hamilton Partnership to submit a full business case for the John Peel Centre for Community, Innovation and the Creative Arts, which is set to include a theatre and studio space. Arts workshops, an academy, the John Peel archive and a business and enterprise centre are also included in the proposals, as well as providing space for weddings and conferences.

The council selected the Hamilton Partnership from seven bidders who progressed through the initial stage of a process to secure a sustainable use for Birkenhead's former town hall building. Wirral Council leader Steve Foulkes said: "The Hamilton Partnership has been invited to provide the Council with a full, viable business plan on their proposals within the next six months.

"Officers' knowledge and expertise will be available to support them, however, I must stress that there are no guarantees at this stage and the future ownership of Birkenhead Town Hall will depend entirely on the strength and sustainability of the Partnership's final submission."