Two preferred sites for a new multi-million pound 'flagship' arts venue in Chester have been earmarked by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWCC).

Councillors have been recommended to shortlist both the sites - Little Roodee car park and the Odeon Theatre - at a meeting of the executive on 3 November. Locum Consulting put forward the sites after carrying out a four-month feasibility study to explore the plans for a new theatre in Chester, with more than 20 locations considered.

The Manchester-based consultancy has promoted the creation of a 'medium-scale' venue to boast an 800-seat auditorium that can be reduced to 450 seats for smaller shows. The first option - the council-owned Little Roodee car park site - would provide an 'attractive landscape' for a 'landmark' venue at a cost of around £50m.

Meanwhile, the privately-owned Odeon Theatre site includes 49 Northgate Street and Folliott House within the boundaries of the proposed Northgate development. Converting the Odeon - situated between the main shopping and leisure areas - is expected to cost around £38m and will provide some cinema provision.

CWCC executive member for culture and recreation Richard Short said: "We have always contended that the city desperately needed an iconic theatre to fill a major gap in its cultural offer. "We are about to take a major step towards both achieving that dream and also to providing a major boost to the city's economic regeneration."

Locum Consulting also recommended the creation of an events venue capable of accommodating up to 1,200 delegates, which could comprise part of the theatre scheme.