The council has been advised by the landlord that the lease, in place since 2002, will end next summer. The venue is managed daily by the Stevenage Arts Guild. The landlord has offered a contribution to assist in improving future facilities for the groups.
Discussions will now open between the Stevenage Arts Guild, the groups using the building, and the council to secure new locations. This aims to support the cultural contribution to Stevenage and the wellbeing of participants.
Cllr Myla Arceno, Cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, stated: “Culture forms a key part of what makes Stevenage a positive place to live and thrive. This is why our council is fully committed to working with the Stevenage Arts Guild and all the groups using the Community Arts Centre to source alternative locations which meet the needs of all those who use the current centre before our lease ends.”
Hilary Spiers, chair of Stevenage Arts Guild, commented: “For many years members of the Guild and other local groups have enjoyed using the Community Arts Centre. It has been our home and has been a central hub for us to meet and promote the arts within the community. Stevenage is celebrating its 80th anniversary as a New Town this year and many of our groups were founded in its early years and helped people make new friends when they first arrived. We know the council appreciates our contribution to the life of the town and hope it will help us find new premises so we can continue to enrich the lives of the people of Stevenage.”
