The Ashcroft Arts Centre is named after Dame Peggy Ashcroft and was opened by Dame Peggy in 1989, after being refurbished from its original use as a school. Since 2014 the arts centre has been operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust.
As well as our varied and exciting event programme packed with comedy, theatre and music of all genres, the Ashcroft offers a wide range of weekly, day time and evening classes suitable for all ages and abilities.
We’re a small and friendly team so please say hello when you’re next in the centre or get in touch using the contact details on this page, and let us know any feedback you have and thoughts and ideas for our future programme.
The future of Ashcroft Arts Centre
In January of this year, Hampshire Cultural Trust confirmed that Ashcroft Arts Centre was at risk of closure due to a proposed reduction in the organisation’s central funding from Hampshire County Council under its current budget review. The County Council began a public consultation in January, which closed at the end of March. The results of the consultation have been published, and the County Council has been analysing the feedback to inform their decision making on whether or not to proceed with the proposed options for savings to meet a £132 million shortfall in its budget for 2025-26. The final decision on funding was due to be made in July, however, this has now been put back to the autumn.
It has therefore been necessary to put in place a temporary pause to arts and community programming at Ashcroft Arts Centre with effect from the end of September. This does not pre-judge any final decision regarding the future of the Ashcroft but is a reflection of the operational challenges and realities of running a public programme in a venue that is under threat of closure. A further update on the future of Ashcroft Arts Centre will be issued in due course.