Support needed for Bedhampton Arts Centre
An historic building has been saved from the bulldozers – but the race is now on to turn it into a thriving community centre.
Residents won the fight to get listed status for the Bedhampton Arts Centre – built in 1868 – back in March.
But they say the fight is far from over to keep the former Bedhampton School as a community building.
The arts centre is set to close at the end of August as a brand-new new culture and arts centre, called The Spring, opens in East Street, Havant.
Locals are now worried that the owners – Hampshire County Council – will want to sell off the site in Bedhampton Road for housing.
Bedhampton councillor Jenny Wride, who is leading the campaign, said: 'Hampshire County Council has indicated its intention to dispose of the Bedhampton Arts Centre as it is now surplus to requirements.
'The keys will be handed back at the end of August 2009.
'I want it to become a focal point for Bedhampton.
'Now I need people to step up to the plate to become trustees of a charity.'
Mrs Wride is now hoping to get lottery cash to fund her plan which would see the community centre boasting a 'chill-out' zone for young people, with music, pool tables, computer consoles, discos and sports activities.
It would also include adult education classes and a luncheon club for the elderly.
Police are giving the idea their full support in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in Bedhampton.
PC Rob Swift-Simmons, from Havant police, said: 'There's nothing for young people in this area to do constructively.
'We are trying to make sure there is a place they can go that is safe and supportive.'
Cllr Margaret Snaith, who's responsible for culture, communities and rural affairs at the county council, said: 'The county council is considering the options for the future of the building.
'No decisions have yet been taken and all available options are being considered.'
Anyone interested in helping to set up a community facility should contact Mrs Wride on (023) 9248 1373 or e-mail her at: jennywride@btinternet.com
THE SEARCH IS ON
A family tree could save the building from being turned into flats.
Campaigners are trying to stop Hampshire County Council from selling the building off by proving it doesn't belong to them.
The building was originally leased to the authorities in 1873 for 500 years from MP William Stone.
Mrs Wride is trying to find descendants of Mr Stone.
By proving it doesn't belong to the council and they won't benefit from any sale, she hopes to persuade council leaders to designate the site for community use.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
