Architects have been chosen to help turn Oxford Town Hall into a £6.5m cultural centre.

The appointment of Berman Guedes Stretton, of Cave Street, Oxford, is considered a major step toward realising the overall plan.

Alan Berman, a director in the firm, said: "We will consult with a wide range of interested parties about what they might like to see the town hall used for. But at the end of the day that is not our choice -- we are simply analysing the available space."

The firm will make a preliminary report on its findings to members of the town hall steering group on Tuesday, February 24.

Last September talks with three private firms collapsed because members on the council's steering group could not agree what role they should have in the running of the planned cultural centre.

Maureen Christian, the council's executive member for culture, expressed doubts about the suitability of the three firms, which all specialised in catering, to be involved in the project.

While a public-private partnership has not been ruled out, such an arrangement would be unlikely if it meant the council had to surrender control of the town hall.

But now that architects have been appointed, Mrs Christian is confident the project is back on track.

She said: "We have some very ambitious plans to provide a new concert hall, extend the museum and provide a new cafe, but we need advice from the architects on just what is feasible.

" I always said that the appointment of a team of architects was a very important first step and I look foward to getting their advice."

The building, which dates back to 1897, could be renamed Oxford City Hall.

Although Oxford failed to become European Capital of Culture 2008, it will still be a Centre of Culture. The transformation of the town hall would be part of those celebrations.

The biggest stumbling block could be funding the project. The council is presently relying on grants from a range of sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Alan Armitage, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Summertown, resigned from the steering group last year after complaining that little progress was being made on the project.

He said meetings were being held in secret, adding: "Members of the public own the town hall, so they should be allowed to attend these meetings.

"What is needed is a marketing plan to work out what we would really like the building to be used for."