THE postponement in building a performing arts centre in Chester has given the Gateway a further stay of execution.

But this could still lead to the area being without a main theatre for up to three years.

Worried stage groups say that, if this happens, they will have to find alternative performance venues in Ellesmere Port or further afield.

The Gateway was originally set to close this year as part of the £280m scheme to redevelop Chester city centre.

But the closure was put back to January 2007 when the building work's timetable slipped back.

Funding for an extension to June 2007 was granted by Chester City Council, Cheshire County Council and the Arts Council North West, and theatre bosses were told they would have to vacate by October 2007.

Now the latest delay in the Northgate Development scheme means this date has been moved back again, this time to March 2008.

City council culture and community manager Paul Gover said talks were planned to look at the idea of extending the Gateway's lifespan.

He said: 'We're beginning discussions about what happens between June 2007 and March 2008.

'Talks are also taking place with the board of the new performing arts centre to look at what we can set up in the time between the Gateway closing and the new centre opening.'

Mr Gover said there was a 'commitment from all parties' to look at the detailed internal designs of the facility after criticism from potential users.

Theatre groups and artists have slammed the absence of a fly tower to raise scenery and lack of storage space to the side of the stage, claiming it would be difficult to get scenery into the building.

Brian Westcott, chairman of the Theatre for Chester pressure group and a member of Chester Operatic Society, said: 'I'm extremely disappointed the city could be without an arts venue for three years. I think the original estimate was one-and-a-half years.

'Operatic Society members will have to discuss where we go during this time. We could be looking at Clwyd Theatr Cymru or even Ellesmere Port or Runcorn.

'But even when the performing arts centre opens, it won't be any good for us with the current designs.'

The city's Northgate Development is unlikely to be completed before spring 2011 due to its size and complexity.