South Street Arts Centre saved from closure

South Street Arts Centre is to stay open as Reading Borough Council accepts a £500,000 grant from Arts Council England.

The future of the popular venue was uncertain as a result of budget cuts from Reading Council. The threat of closure prompted a massive backlash with over 8,000 people signing a petition to save the arts venue.

However, following a £500,000 grant from Arts Council England, Reading Borough Council has announced their intention to keep the building open.

The grant money will enable the owners of the building to make vital repairs as well as improvements that should make South Street more profitable in the future. Reading Borough Council will be contributing over £300,000 to support the Arts Council grant.

Speaking to the Reading Chronicle: Councillor Paul Gittings, lead member for culture, said: “We are keeping it open for good reason.”

“We knew we would have to spend some money on it in one shape or form but having the extra funding from the Arts Council – which we are very grateful for – will allow us to improve the facilities and on the projections will increase the revenue.”