Save Old Fire Station

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CAMPAIGNERS who are working hard to save a local artist space from closure, have been granted three months to organise a proposal to manage the building themselves.

Hadleigh Old Fire Station was converted into an artist’s studios and event space in 2009, when the fire station closed.

The venue has since been run by arts organisations ACAVA, who lease the building from Essex County Council.

However, when ACAVA were unable to renegotiate the lease, it was revealed that the building would be forced to close on March 20 this year.

In response to this announcement, the Friends of Hadleigh Old Fire Station (HOFS) community group was formed and a petition started to save the fire station, which to date has attracted over 2,000 signatures.

Essex County Council have now agreed to allow the arts group to remain in the building, whilst drawing up a proposal for the community to run it themselves.

Simon Cox, one of the members of Friends of Hadleigh Old Fire Station, stated: “Hadleigh Old Fire Station had a very positive meeting with Essex County Council and would like to thank them for a very progressive discussion.

“It is good to know that Essex County Council share both ours and the local community’s express desire to maintain Hadleigh Old Fire Station as both a hub for creative and artistic excellence and also offer a unique space to the community that supports all types of interest groups.

“Discussions are ongoing with Essex County Council and work has been progressing steadily over the past few weeks and will continue in order to form a not-for-profit entity to ensure that the community group maintains its presence within the local community.”

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said: “As a result of the work put in by these community groups, Essex County Council have agreed to allow the artists and groups who use the Hadleigh Old Fire Station to stay for three months, while they can set up a legal entity to manage the building.”

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “Essex County Council is aware of community concerns surrounding the Old Fire Station building in Hadleigh and with stakeholders and partners we have been working to secure a way forward for the building.

“We are pleased to confirm the community groups, which use the hall will have the opportunity to remain in the premises when ACAVA withdraws from the contract in March.”

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CAMPAIGNERS who are working hard to save a local artist space from closure, have been granted three months to organise a proposal to manage the building themselves.

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