Talks could secure long-term future of Aberdeen Arts Centre

The future of Aberdeen Arts Centre has been given a boost after councillors agreed to enter negotiations on a new long-term lease.

The charity which runs the venue, Castlegate Arts, has so far raised £350,000 towards a three-year £660,000 funding target, launched after it lost council funding last year.

City councillors have unanimously agreed to extend the lease on the arts centre beyond its expiry next January, and to begin talks on a new 30-year deal with an option to purchase.

A £50,000 grant is also to be provided for electrical upgrades.

Last year, Aberdeen City Council said the funding application submitted by the centre was not accepted as it did not meet its guidance for grant-giving.

The move prompted the launch of a major fundraising effort backed by the Aberdeen-born actress and Call the Midwife star Laura Main, who featured in many performances at the arts centre as a teenager.

Behind-the-scenes discussions among councillors have led to unanimous backing for a motion from independent councillor Marie Boulton.

The council has agreed to provide a grant for required electrical upgrades in the short term, while also agreeing to enter negotiations for a new lease of at least 30 years.

Castlegate Arts could later be given the option to purchase the building on King Street.

The council and Castlegate Arts will also collaborate on a new long-term funding and development model, which will allow it to apply for major capital grants.

A report on these discussions, with alternative options and a costed business case, is to be drawn up in time for next year's annual council budget.

Holly Paterson, executive director at Castlegate Arts, said: "We are pleased that Aberdeen City Council has today voted to work with us to secure the future of Aberdeen Arts Centre.

"We have built significant momentum over recent months, with incredible support from our communities, audiences, funders and partners.

"As the home of grassroots arts in Aberdeen, a hub for early-career creatives to develop and share new work, and a place for the community to come together, we are proud of what the arts centre provides for tens of thousands of people in the north east every year."

She said the centre was looking forward to working with councillors and officials to protect the community space.