A former cinema in Glasgow is to be refurbished and turned into a new music venue.

The New Bedford cinema opened in the Gorbals area of the city in 1921, but has lain derelict for the past 10 years.

Plans have now been finalised to re-open the venue under the name "Glasgow Academy" by March 2003, similar to the famed Brixton Academy in London.

The �3m building on Eglinton Street is being designed by the same project team responsible for four similar music academies in England.

Brixton Academy, run by the same company

The 2,500 capacity venue, commissioned by McKenzie Group Limited, will be available for live gigs, dance events and club nights.

It will also host smaller events for promoters wanting to showcase the talents of new artists.

MKG operates Brixton, Bristol and Birmigham Academies, and the Shepherds Bush Empire.

John Northcote, MKG managing director, said he was confident the project would be a success.

He said: "The latest academy will deliver the same exciting and vibrant diary of rock, pop, jazz, indie and dance as the Brixton, Birmingham and Bristol venues.

'Buoyant market'

"Plus we will be working closely with leading Scottish promoters DF Concerts who have an excellent local knowledge."

Promoters hope the academy will emulate the success of its other academies in Birmingham, Bristol and London.

Geoff Ellis, from DF Concerts, said the city would benefit from another music venue.

"We are very excited about the Glasgow Academy and feel that it will be a very successful and welcome addition to the buoyant concert market in Glasgow," he said.

"We look forward to the opportunity of bringing more concerts to Glasgow and feel that the venue's capacity is ideal and fills a significant gap in the market."