SALISBURY Arts Centre is about to turn itself Inside Out ready for a multi-million-pound project that will transform the former church into a venue fit for the 21st century.

Director Jill Low has secured more than £3.2m and is on the home stretch towards the £3.8m needed for the whole project.

Staff are already packing up to make way for the builders when the spring season draws to a close.

But life at the arts centre goes on throughout the ten months or so of building work - it simply turns Inside Out. Events and workshops will be staged at other venues in and around Salisbury and the staff will operate from the old swimming pool premises nearby.

The development is the biggest transformation undergone by the centre since it opened in the former St Edmund's Church.

Restoration and repairs are part of the programme on the Grade II* listed building.

Work will put right problems that have made life uncomfortable for staff and patrons for years.

Improvements to access, with automatic doors, ramps and a lift, are among the changes that will make the venue accessible to all, and improved toilets are promised.

The exhibition and gallery area will be improved and technical equipment will be upgraded to cater for the range of events to be programmed.