SCHOOLS, colleges and social care services will all benefit from discount rates when a new £6.2million arts centre is built.

Essex County Council has donated £142,000 towards Theatre Resource's new building project, at Great Stony, in Ongar.

The money will allow Essex schools, colleges and social care services to hire the theatre's facilities at a discount rate when they open in Spring 2011.

A number of supported-housing flats for trainees at the centre on longer-term courses and programmes, will also be available.

When constructed, the new centre will include a large multi-purpose studio, exhibition facilities and a range of teaching and learning spaces.

Essex county councillor Ray Gooding, who will shortly visit the site to see building work start on the new roof, said: “Not only is the new centre going to be a fantastic resource for Essex but the decision has been taken to offer the residential facilities at a discounted rate, meaning many more community groups, schools and educational groups can benefit.”