Consultants will be brought in to support Leicester's struggling Phoenix Square after the new chief executive signed off sick.

Dave Stevens was brought in three weeks ago to draw up a new business plan for Leicester Arts Centre Ltd, the operating company behind the film and digital arts centre.

Mr Stevens has taken sick leave, so external consultants will be brought in to help finalise the plan, working with council officers. Leicester City Council has been working with Phoenix Square on a business plan to ensure its future.

Last month, the venue was saved with a £250,000 taxpayer bail-out on condition it submitted a report on how it could remain financially viable.

The business plan should be finished by November. The centre and council are in talks with experts from a national film organisation – with a view to recruiting their help.

Councillor Rob Wann, cabinet member for culture, said: "Dave Stevens will be a severe loss to Phoenix Square.

"We are tasked with putting together a robust business and recovery plan. I'm in discussions with ICO, who are experienced in running cinemas, with a view to asking them to consult on the financial parts of the business plan. I want to complete the plan to take it to cabinet on November 8."

A spokesman for ICO said: "It's in all our interests to maintain the facility for the audiences of Leicester."

Mr Stevens took up the post on September 12. He is the chairman of Firebird Trading Company, the commercial arm of Phoenix, who mainly take charge of the cafe and bar.

Ted Cassidy, chairman of Leicester Arts Centre Ltd, said: "We are putting in place interim management." He would not say if Mr Stevens was being paid while off sick.

A draft business plan, presented to councillors by Mr Stevens a few weeks ago, included a plan to recruit a new board and chairman.