03 September 2010Representatives from Sevenoaks Town Council and Sevenoaks District Council today (Wednesday 23 December 2009) signed a lease agreement to secure the long-term future of the Stag Community Arts Centre.
Over the course of the last year, the two councils have worked closely to finalise the agreement, which will see the Town Council taking responsibility of the Stag Community Arts Centre for 25 years until 2035.
Cllr Pat Bosley, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for the arts, says: "The signing of this agreement is a landmark moment for the town and for the District. It puts uncertainty behind us and we can now look forward to a positive future for the Stag. Now, more than ever, we need our residents’ backing to make sure the Town Council can make a real success of the Stag in the New Year and beyond."
Linda Larter MBE, Sevenoaks Town Council's Chief Executive, adds: "The past year has been a testimony to the loyalty and perseverance of local people and well wishers. We are grateful to the hundreds of volunteers and supporters and the thousands of customers who have continued to support the venue in its local stages. The months of negotiations behind the scenes have delivered an opportunity for new life to be breathed into the Stag as a centre for community art and excellence for all. Professionals and amateur performers have a jewel of a theatre and youth groups, film students, dancers and musicians have a space to meet and enhance their skills. The cinema audience is now beginning to develop and people are now more aware of the local and economic facility. The self contained Plaza Suite is proving popular as a conference suite and wedding venue. With the continued support of residents, visitors and volunteers the Stag Community Arts Centre will continue to succeed. The future of the Stag has just begun!"
Sevenoaks Town Cllr, Andrew Eyre, Chairman of Trustees of the Stag Community Arts Centre, says: "I am extremely pleased to welcome this agreement between Sevenoaks Town Council and Sevenoaks District Council. Many people have worked extremely hard to achieve the successful signature today. In addition many people from Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks District and beyond have contributed by buying tickets and supporting the concept of an Arts Centre in Sevenoaks providing arts for the entire District and enhancing Sevenoaks’ prestige and reputation on both a regional and national basis. The hard work is only now just beginning to ensure the long term commercial success of the Stag Arts Centre but today represents an historic step for Sevenoaks Town Council and I wish the Stag every success in the future."
The signing took place at the Stag Community Arts Centre on London Road, Sevenoaks.
