THE dream of Marlborough having its own theatre and cinema has this week moved from the realms of possibility to probability.

Tonight the Kennet Valley Arts Trust is launching its fundraising drive for £4.5 million to fund the Riverbank.

It has appointed professional appeal organiser Ginny Scrope who has worked previously on a number of major appeals including the Evolution Appeal for the new Great Western Hospital at Swindon.

A number of high profile patrons are lending their names to the appeal including actors Nigel Havers and George Baker, musician Jools Holland, National Theatre director Katie Mitchell, Shakespearean actor Simon Russell Beale, design guru Sir Terence Conran, pools and racing magnate Robert Sangster and the chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, Sir Stuart Hampson.

Some of them are expected at the fund raising launch event that Devizes MP Michael Ancram will be attending tonight in the Adderley at Marlborough College.

Detailed plans for the Riverbank are expected to go before Kennet District Council by the end of the year.

It is possible, said KVATS chairman Rosie Hill that if the funds roll in a start could be made on the site at the side of the George Lane Car Park during the latter part of 2004 which is already planned to be an auspicious year for the town.

There will be celebrations during 2004 to mark the 800th anniversary of Marlborough receiving its Royal Charters from King John.

Other keynote developments that will make the year memorable will include the new Savernake Hospital and the start on building the new single site St John's School.

Kennet District Council has already backed the idea of the town having its own theatre and arts complex by giving outline consent for the site, which being beside the River Kennet gave the project its name.

The district council has also agreed a 50 year lease on the site The idea of Marlborough having its own theatre and cinema was first mooted in 1995 by a small group of people sat in the bar at the Castle and Bill Hotel bemoaning the lack of facilities in Marlborough for any artistic presentations.

The group grew into the Kennet Valley Arts Trust and Mrs Hill was invited to take the minutes before everyone realised she was the best person to take the project forward.

The idea was endorsed at a number of public meetings about three years ago, since when the trust has been working behind the scenes on a scheme that they believe is feasible and affordable.

It is proposed the building will be versatile with an auditorium containing 300 seats which can be forward-facing for films or in the round for theatrical productions or concerts.

The large foyer would double as an exhibition centre and the plans show a 70-seater studio that could be used for conferences and meetings, arts and theatre workshops or exhibitions.

An artist's impression shows the Riverbank at the side of the River Kennet with a large glass frontage overlooking the river and with a pent roof supported on pillars which is a historic feature copied from the old buildings on the top side of the High Street.

The KVATS members have already raised £100,000 in donations, gifts and subscriptions from a friends scheme which has covered the initial planning and feasibility studies.

Tonight, said Mrs Hills, the big push starts to raise the £3.7 million it is projected the building will cost and sufficient extra funding to cover staffing and other costs until the Riverbank's own income is generated.

The appeal is for £4.5 million in total and everyone can help by fundraising or by joining the Friends of the Riverbank.

To join the friends, contact Inga Britta-Currie on (01672) 514810.