The studios in the east of Brighton would be available for artists to rent

The �220,000 plan would see four run-down ground floor spaces converted into seven low-cost studios that could be rented for creative work.

It would be funded by the South East Economic Development Agency and Brighton & Hove Arts Commission, the city council said.

It follows concerns that the disused rooms have become targets for vandals.

'Dead space'

The Bristol Estate is in the east of the city.

Councillor Mary Mears said: "Residents on the estate approached us to express concern that the disused rooms were becoming a focus for anti-social behaviour and vandalism."

She said: "Making creative use of this 'dead' space would bring many advantages."

And she said residents would be able to join in art activities "on their doorstep", if the project went ahead.

Eighteen artists had expressed an interest in taking up a studio, she added.

According to the local authority there is a severe shortage of affordable studio space in the city, and this project would help Brighton artists become established.