Arts venue faces uncertain future (From News Shopper)

Arts venue faces uncertain future

10:05am Tuesday 8th February 2005 in Bromley By Bede MacGowan

COUNCIL chiefs are looking for bidders who can make the most of a popular community arts venue.

The Grade-II listed Studio in Beckenham is facing an uncertain future after a breakdown in negotiations between Bromley Council and Prospects Services over the building's future.

The council rejected a revised business proposal from the not-for-profit company in December after it withdrew an earlier proposal accepted in May.

It is now looking for other groups interested in taking on a 25-year lease and managing the building as a community facility.

Council leader Stephen Carr said: "This venue has a tremendous history as a centre for community activities and we believe it presents a unique opportunity for a commercially-minded organisation to continue the tradition."

Mixed use with a commercial element is acceptable but use such as a nightclub or pub is not, he added.

Garnett Frost, of the Save the Studio campaign group, said he was optimistic the right bidder would be found: "We're happy to work with them and the council as far as possible in order to ensure a bright future and way forward for the Studio.

"The Prospects business was unfortunate but at least the decks are now clear.

"The council's executive seems to be much more committed to retaining and regenerating the Studio for community arts than it was a year ago."

Some campaigners have called for the centre to be turned into a tribute to comedy legend Bob Monkhouse who was born in Beckenham and died just before the centre closed a year ago.

For details before the February 25 deadline, call 020 8313 4424 or email estates@bromley.gov.uk