The owner of popular cafe is looking for donations to help fund a project to revive the town's arts and culture scene.

Saif Bonar, founder of Matthews Yard, a cafe and co-working space off Surrey Street market, is hoping to add a new arts venue to the cafe.

The refurbished space will be called The Studio, and will run be run as a community arts and entertainment venue complete with stage and theatrical equipment.

Mr Bonar hopes the space will host a range of activities from the performing arts to live music.

The 33-year-old, who lives with his fiancé in Addiscombe, is looking to raise money for the project through public donations.

People will be able to donate trough website Kickstart, which allows those over the age of 18 to pledge anything from £1 to more than £5,000.

Anyone who backs the project will have their name painted on the supporters wall and there are a range of other benefits that come from donating to the project.

If Mr Bonar manages to raise £5,000, that will be enough build a basic stage, a green room and technical equipment.

If they manage to raise £25,000 then they will be able to provide a fully professional theatre space with the highest quality equipment.

The popular entrepreneur said his project was a logical step after the closure of other alternative arts venues in Croydon, such as the Warehouse Theatre and the David Lean Cinema.

He said: "It’s not about making money, it’s about making the best use of the space we are lucky to have and meeting demand from people that have already requested the use of the cafe for plays and performances."

Make a donation at kickstarter.com