The Studio

[Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward]

I thought readers of this site would be interested to know that an advert will appear next week asking for expressions of interest in taking over the old Studio building by Beckenham Library. The history of the site is far too complex to go into now, though I can answer specific questions. However, working with Reg Adams from Clock House ward, we have secured an agreement from the council that the site will continue to be used primarily for arts, education and community use. The challenge will be finding an organisation that can fulfil that brief and has the financial background to take on the refurbishment and running of the building. Some commercial use may be inevitable. What has been been made clear, however, is that the council will not be putting any money into the project. If anyone knows an individual or organisation that can come to the rescue of the Studio, please ask them to get in touch. This fine building and community asset needs an appropriate use.

[Sue D]

This has been going on for so long now it's crazy. I thought there was an Arts organisation which was taking it over (name escapes me now). Shame Bromley Council doesn't think funding local arts and culture has any value.

[Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward]

A couple of years ago, the council offered the lease to a dance studio but they weren't able to complete the refurbishment etc. We had a meeting to discuss two possible tenants for the Studio this week. Commercial sensitivity doesn't allow me to name them until or unless a decision is made. Neither were arts organisations. Speaking personally, I would love the council to run the Studio again, perhaps in partnership with MyTime or Bromley College. That would mean more on the council tax though and the present majority group won't consider that.

[Zoe Hannam]

As a social entrepeneur working in Beckenham, it is my opinion and experience that we as a community have to educate Bromley council that there is a need for funding local arts & culture in Beckenham. If there is not already a proactive group of local artists campaigning for this, might I suggest formation of a co-operative, as a starting point.

[Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward]

I agree but this is very much a tiny minority view on Bromley council - and judging from election results, within Bromley as a whole. It needs to come from the community though. We had such a group when the Studio first became vacant but they seem to have become discouraged after years of disappointment. We are currently considering two proposals for the Studio, though neither of them really come under the heading of community arts and culture.

[Zoe Hannam]

I trust the secured agreement from the council that the site will continue to be used primarily for arts, education and community use would stand strong against these proposals. I believe there is new group of individuals within the community that would be prepared to start a new campaign. WATCH THIS SPACE ! ! !

[Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward]

I suspect that any non-commercial use would be deemed to fit the council's commitment. Anyone taking on the Studio building needs to have substantial finds to bring it backup to standard and meet current requirements such as disability access. The council are steadfastly refusing to put any money into the project themselves.

[Zoe Hannam]

I was trading for a few days in Beckenham Road at the beginning of the month. It is evident we have a community very frustrated and concerned about The Studio. How as a council and community have we managed to surround a listed building, that should be an asset to our local education and economy with such negative energy. Any positive news and regular updates would be greatly appreciated.

[Jon Clarke]

A major youth club, exhibition, design and arts centre would be ideal. That would give the area a fabulous addition to the great services the area has.

[Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator ward]

I will have more news on Thursday but the position now is that the council advertised for interested parties to bid for the lease. It's going to take a significant amount of money to put the building in order. The council stipulated community activity or benefit in its specification. I expect one of the bidders to be awarded the lease and the focus to be on youth and community acitvities but with no particular emphasis on arts or performance. My personal preference woud have been for the council to retain control and institute an arts / performance / education programme, similar to the use of the building before it closed 5 or so years ago, or the Clock Tower in Croydon. That is not the vision of the majority party.

[Zoe Hannam]

Inscribe on the brickwork of the building in question ART & SCIENCE. In light of the current economic climate, I do not understand why the council, community and interested organisations can not stand united as opposed to bidding against each other for the lease. This building is part of Beckenham's heritage and large enough to house all, in my opinion the two parties involved in the last bidding war would of done better polling their resources together. Looking forward to Thursdays news.