A THEATRE group hopes to stage a “last hurrah” at a disused court before it is demolished to make way for a Premier Inn.

Lewes Repertory Theatre’s plans for a centre of excellence for film, TV and theatre production at the former Lewes Magistrates’ Court are expected to be given the go-ahead today.

But it is feared it could be too late for the building, which is set for demolition in December to make way for the hotel.

South Downs National Park Authority has given permission for developer Quora to build the 59-room hotel with four shops with work to begin in the summer.

In the meantime, the court building, which has not been used since April 2011, could be used for film production, ballet dancing, music lessons, opera and orchestra rehearsals. Planning officers have recommended the theatre group’s proposals are granted permission, with the planning committee meeting in Midhurst this morning.

Lewes Repertory Theatre’s previous home on the Phoenix Industrial Estate was destroyed by fire in March last year.

Campaigners have been inspired by the sudden withdrawal of Vue Cinema from the Brighton Hippodrome scheme last month – but accept it might be too late to stop the hotel plans.

Vic Ient, of the theatre support group, said: “It’s good to see at last the application coming before the committee but sadly officers delayed the application for quite some time.

“Sadly I fear that developers are already finalising the purchase of the land with the Ministry of Justice and preparing their demolition gangs to knock the building down.

“In one way it’s the last hurrah for the Lewes Rep Theatre’s plans but in another way it’s an opportunity not to be missed to get the permission if there’s a last minute technical problem with the sale of the site or if Whitbread change their minds.”

A Quora spokeswoman said: “Quora will now be completing its purchase of the site from the Ministry of Justice. “We intend to hold our first community liaison group meeting shortly and start the site preparation to allow site works to commence in the early summer. “We are delighted that now the planning permission has been issued it is full steam ahead for our proposals.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “We are in negotiations to sell the former Lewes Magistrates’ Court.

“We will ensure we secure best value for the taxpayer.”