Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Barnet Council has secured the future of Artsdepot with a new long-term lease, ensuring the popular cultural venue remains open for years to come.
In late October, Artsdepot announced that it has entered into a 50-year lease with Barnet Council.
The theater owners stated they will now have the “stability” to look for capital finance for “much-needed maintenance” for the first time in 20 years. The agreement was referred to as a “peppercorn rent agreement.”
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 its opening in 2004, the arts center which hosts outreach initiatives in addition to productions has faced threats from extensive council funding reductions and a lack of funds for necessary infrastructure upkeep.
The Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green, Sarah Sackman, has voiced her concerns to the central government and advocated to keep the center operating.
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.”
How does the lease affect community programming and access?
The long-term parcel secures Artsdepot’s capability to plan and deliver a wide range of high-quality visual and performing trades conditioning and educational programs over the coming decades. It enables Artsdepot to apply for substantial external capital backing for refurbishment, icing that the installations remain accessible, safe, and fit for purpose for different community use.
The parcel obliges Artsdepot to continue serving the original community, meeting norms aligned with Barnet’s artistic strategy, supporting inclusivity, and furnishing trades access across all demographics. With a secure term, Artsdepot can strengthen hookups with original seminaries, charities, and community groups, expanding openings for engaging a wider cult.
The peppercorn rent arrangement minimizes fiscal walls, allowing Artsdepot to prioritize community-aware programming rather than rent enterprises.