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Search the Public Notice PortalAN arts centre faces closure and the possible sale of its historic home after a council refused to grant it emergency funding.
Kingshill House, a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion in Dursley that has served as a community arts centre for more than 25 years, could close and be put up for sale if new funding cannot be secured.
The centre’s managing trust, Kingshill House Limited, requested a £25,000 emergency grant from Stroud District Council to cover marketing costs, lost income during repairs, and rental losses from an associated cottage.
The council however says it has provided long-term support through capital funding, ongoing maintenance, and a £10,000 community grant, as well as leasing the property to the trust for just £1 per year.
Despite this support, the trust has struggled to meet the full repair and maintenance needs of the historic building, particularly in relation to structural and specialist works.
The council has taken responsibility for major repairs under the lease, but in August the trust warned it was operating at a deficit and facing imminent closure without further help.
The committee resolved not to support the emergency grant however following an amendment that was tabled at the meeting, councillors did agree to work with the trust on a restructuring plan.
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Stroud District Council’s Labour group leader Bob Hughes, who represents Dursley, said: “It needs more than just money for repairs – it needs a really robust business plan to sustain it well into the future.
“I’m delighted that the council will be able to work with the trustees to offer that support and look for ways to provide further funding, thanks to our amendment.”
Lindsey Green, leader of the Conservative group at Stroud District Council, also welcomed the outcome.
Ms Green said: “I am really pleased that we were able to put politics aside and work together to give Kingshill House a fighting chance.
“I worked alongside Labour colleagues to help secure an amendment that gives the Trust more time to find a positive way forward.”
Cllr Chloe Turner, leader of Stroud District Council said: “The difficult financial position Kingshill House Trust is experiencing unfortunately presents a legal barrier to the council committing further public funds at this time.
“I hope the Trust are able to explore other funding sources, and to set out their future financial sustainability in the proposed recovery plan, so that the situation can be reconsidered by the committee.”
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