main content Future use of The Studio secured

The future of The Studio, an Edwardian listed building in Beckenham, was secured at a meeting of the Council’s Executive on Monday evening when they accepted proposals from Herbert Justice Academy for the former Studio.

Proposals had been invited by the Council from two tenderers with a deadline of 6 December 2005 and a small working group of Councillors received presentations from Herbert Justice Academy and ACAVA and interviewed the candidates on 14 December 2005. Two members of the Studio Community Group attended the presentations and the views of other local community groups had been sought.

Herbert Justice Academy’s proposals include refurbishment of the theatre and auditorium for regular live entertainment and performances, five refurbished studios and two community rooms, a gallery, a fully equipped art centre, mobile recording studio, a café / restaurant / bar, a shop and a crèche facility.

Council Leader Stephen Carr said: “This is excellent news. We were keen to retain this important local facility and now we’ve accepted the proposals from Herbert Justice Academy we can look forward to The Studio developing into a place where local people can socialise, learn, perform as well as be entertained. We wish Herbert Justice Academy every success. We would also like to thank ACAVA for their interest and we look forward to hopefully working with them in the future to secure further services for local people.”

Previously the building had been used as an arts and media centre and its future had been in doubt earlier this year due to large losses being incurred last year.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Detailed proposals were submitted by Herbert Justice Academy and ACAVA for the former Studio prior to the deadline on 6 December. These included the applicants’ rental offers, business plans and detailed information on how they intend to use the building and engage with the local community. This follows the withdrawal of Proper Music to refurbish and operate the Studio for personal reasons in November 2006. Proper Music proposals had been accepted in June 2005. 
• A small working group of members was established to receive presentations and interview the applicants on 14 December. Two members of the Studio Community Group also attended the presentations. 
• The views of other local community groups held on the Council’s database had previously been sought.
• HJA is a private theatre school established in 1997 by Alan Justice 
  The Studio is a prominent Grade 2 listed Edwardian 998 sq m building on three levels, located between Beckenham and Penge, adjacent to the Spa Leisure Centre, with public car parking on three sides.
• The adjoining building is leased to Bromley College.
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Amanda.day@bromley.gov.uk 
  020 8313 4390