The Scarborough Studio Group hopes to restore and convert the building, which also included the old excursions office, into a new centre with bespoke studios and higher education facilities.

The group says it is close to completing the first stages of a feasability study into bringing the old buildings back to life after speaking with Scarborough Council, Network Rail, First Group, The Railway Heritage Trust, the British Transport Police and local artists.

The Railway Heritage Trust has agreed in principle to contribute towards the cost of repair and restoration works of the grade two listed building.

Network Rail is also willing to provide a 25 year lease.

A new arts centre could potentially create a mini cultural quarter at the top of the town centre because it would be opposite the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

Chris Hall, conservation officer for Scarborough Council, said: “The former parcels and excursion building is one of the few remaining listed buildings at risk left in Scarborough and we have been seeking a new use to encourage its restoration for some time.

“Restoration and re-use of old buildings can make an important contribution to regeneration and the proposed use by Scarborough Studio Group would be a good example of regenerative re-use.”

Nick Taylor, the town’s urban renaissance manager, said: “The art studios project in the former parcels and excursions office is a real boost to the area and a fantastic new use of a very important listed building.

“This project fits superbly with our developing master plan for the area”.

Scarborough Studio Group are due to hold a consultation evening for anyone interested in the project on Thursday June 5 at 7.30pm in the conference room at the Woodend Creative Workspace.

For further information contact Jo Davis, administrator for Scarborough Studio Group, on (01947) 810101.