Sir – I am happy to be able to respond positively to Susie Crow (letter, October 1) about the need for more good quality performance space for dance in Oxford.

The city council is working with the charity Crisis to redevelop the Old Fire Station as a modern arts centre, following a successful bid last year for nearly £3m of funding from the Homes and Community Agency.

The final plans are due to go to the city executive board in December. They will provide for a multi-purpose auditorium, rehearsal spaces and a new art gallery and studio spaces.

The particular needs of the very vibrant and active dance community in the city have featured strongly in the design of the project, reflecting the enormous success of Dancin’ Oxford over the past few years.

The new OFS will have a special role in offering training and development for young unemployed people in skills related to the cultural industries and in catering and hospitality, and the project is due for completion in the summer of 2011.

It is also worth reminding readers that the Pegasus Theatre is currently being completely renovated, and, when completed, will also provide excellent modern performance and rehearsal space for multi-cultural dance, drama and music — the hallmark of the Pegasus offering for many years, and one of the city’s greatest assets in its outreach to the less advantaged sections of the community.

Cllr Bob Price Leader Oxford City Council