The North Finchley arts venue had been under threat of closure or sale amid maintenance issues and funding cuts, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

An arts venue in North Finchley has been “saved” thanks to a new long-term lease with Barnet Council which secures its future.

Artsdepot announced it had signed the 50-year lease with the council in late October.

The deal was described as a “peppercorn rent agreement” and the theatre owners said they will now have the “stability” to seek capital funding for “much-needed maintenance” for the first time in two decades.

Chief executive and creative director, Monique Deletant, said: “Each year, we strive to make professional arts productions accessible to the community at affordable prices, but we have also been in desperate need of making improvements to the building to safeguard our future.

“Knowing we have long-term security to continue protecting and developing the arts means we can also seek capital investment for the infrastructure this depends on.

“It is huge news for Artsdepot, and we are excited about what the future holds. We are very grateful for the support of the council, [which] understands the value of the creative industries.”

Council leader Barry Rawlings said: “Artsdepot is a vital creative and cultural hub for our borough, which has helped enrich the lives of our residents and brought vibrancy to our community through its cutting-edge theatre productions and engaging workshops.

“We are pleased to see the lease has been renewed, and Artsdepot will be able to continue to inspire and guide local artists to showcase their work, and help people nurture their creativity and passion for the arts.”

Since it opened in 2004 the arts centre, which stages productions as well as hosting outreach projects, has been threatened by sweeping council funding cuts and a lack of resources for essential building maintenance.

Sarah Sackman, the Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green, has campaigned to keep the centre running and raised her concerns with central government.

She said: “Arts and culture are much more than a weekend activity. It’s what creates a cohesive community – enriching and educating people from an array of backgrounds – giving us the cultural ties that can hold when times are tough.

“That is why, when Artsdepot was facing closure, I acted. I wrote to the then-secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Angela Rayner, relaying my concerns over the future of the venue’s lease – demanding that we keep its doors open.

“I am pleased to say that after the efforts of my team, Monique, her team and the council, the lease has been secured – Artsdepot has been saved.”

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