ASHEVILLE - Predevelopment will begin on a large-scale arts and entertainment facility downtown, setting in motion a plan to bring a long-sought-after modern performing arts center to Asheville as the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium has faced mounting renovation costs in recent years.

The United Kingdom-based ATG Entertainment will work with the city "to explore the feasibility of developing a new 2,500+/- seat arts and entertainment facility in downtown," according to the memorandum of understanding, which as released publicly on Aug. 28 but signed on June 24. The facility would be located on "city-owned or to-be-acquired property" and would accommodate programming including concerts, touring Broadway productions, community events and other live performances.

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