A children's ballet group has helped to kick-start a fund-raising campaign to improve the St John's Street Centre, in Bury St Edmunds.

Cygnets Dance Studio- which uses the centre- gave a performance of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty, at the official campaign launch on Thursday.

Trustees of the building are looking to raise £660,000 to improve insulation, double glazing, put in a new heating system, and upgrade the Just Traid café.

They hope to double the use of the building to around 700 people a week and make it more user friendly.

Adrian Mann, treasurer to the trustees, Bury MP David Ruffley and St Edmundsbury Mayor Cllr Bob Cockle were at the launch.

Mr Mann, speaking to the Bury Free Press, said: "It is very important to have somewhere in the heart of the town, which is going to offer hospitality."

So far, the trustees have secured £196,000 funding and are waiting to hear about a £275,000 Lottery bid. The remaining money will come from grants, fund-raising and public donations.

If all goes to plan, building work will start in July. The work will be phased to allow the centre's continued use, with the completed building due to open in April 2010.