AMBITIOUS plans to build an enterprise, arts and culture centre at Sandbach have been unveiled.

Business leaders believe the scheme to build the Saxon Centre, spearheaded by the Sandbach Partnership and South East Cheshire Enterprise (SECE), could have a massive positive impact on retail and tourism.

The £1.5m building also represents a possible lifeline for the world famous Foden's Richardson Brass Band.

The band, which has been based at Sandbach for more than 100 years, faces having to leave because of the lack of a permanent base.

But the purpose-built centre would provide a home for practising and performance.

John France, chairman of Sandbach's Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: 'This would have a fantastic effect on the town. It will create an excellent facility and bring others here from elsewhere.

'It will boost the retail and tourism industry. I am fully behind the plan.'

Mr France added that he is delighted the building could benefit the band, and he is meeting trustees tonight to discuss the future.

Stephen Sebire, chairman of Foden's trustees, said: 'Foden's band has been in the town for more than 100 years and we want it to stay that way.

'We are delighted to be part of this project. To be able to play and rehearse in Sandbach would make us much more a part of the community.

'Although we are proud that, on the music side of things, the band is performing incredibly well as current world champions, it is part of our plan to look to the future.

'This means getting young people from the town interested in playing and listening to brass band music. The Saxon Centre would help us to do this.'

In addition to an enterprise, arts and culture centre, the building would house a multi-purpose conference and entertainment venue, a chamber of commerce and a learning centre.

A feasibility study will get under way in August before a bid to get funding is made to the North West Development Agency before the end of the year. Possible sites have been identified, but have not been revealed.

David McGifford, who is heading the project for SECE, said: 'It is purely a vision at the moment and subject to a feasibility study, but it is potentially very exciting. There is a lot of hard work to do.'

Congleton Borough Mayor Neville Price said: 'This has marvellous potential. It symbolises exciting times for Sandbach.'