A London mayoral candidate has pledged funding to a project transforming Harrow Arts Centre into a "Southbank Centre for north London".

On a visit to the borough Zac Goldsmith, the conservative nominee, will support the scheme with £250,000 of funding as part of his action plan for greater London.

Mr Goldsmith said: "Supporting local communities is vital if we are to keep our economy strong. My action plan for greater London will see £250,000 pledged towards the ambitious plans for Harrow Arts Centre, which will provide an amazing space for Londoners to celebrate culture and the arts.

"I am the only candidate who can work with the government to protect London’s economy and investment in our local high streets.

"Khan’s £1.9 billion budget black hole would jeopardise investment and put Harrow's future at risk."

The Hatch End centre's funding will be part of a £20 million cash pot for projects across greater London which will significantly benefit the local community.

Harrow Arts Centre's future has been under threat since Harrow Council said it could not afford the annual subsidy.

If elected on May 5, Mr Goldsmith will give the funding to the arts centre to help the popular amenity stay open.

Cultural London, the charitable trust running the centre, is raising funds to save the centre by building a cinema, art galleries, bars and a larger theatre. Sandra Bruce-Gordon, chief executive officer of the charity, said: "This pledge of support from Zac is really heartening as a recognition of the role that arts, culture and heritage can and does play in outer London. It comes at an exciting time for the charity as our fundraising campaign gathers momentum."

The money pledged from Mr Goldsmith will boost the Save Harrow Arts Centre's campaign's effort to reach a fundraising target of £2.4 million by July.

Mr Goldsmith said his fully costed action plan for greater London would be paid for without increasing council tax but was backed by "the stronger economy London has seen under a Conservative government and a Conservative mayor".

In contrast, he criticised the "£1.9 billion blackhole" in Sadiq Khan’s spending plans, saying it will mean less investment in London infrastructure projects and a huge hike in council tax for millions of hardworking Londoners.