The future of Ashcroft Arts Centre
In January 2024, Hampshire Cultural Trust confirmed that Ashcroft Arts Centre, which it operates on behalf of Hampshire County Council, was at risk of closure due to a proposed reduction in the organisation’s central funding from the Council under its budget review. The budget review was opened to public consultation and the Council subsequently carefully considered the feedback to inform their decision making on whether or not to proceed with the proposed options for savings to meet a revised £175 million shortfall in its budget for 2025-26.
The Council Cabinet met in October 2024, and whilst it opted not to progress with all the savings recommendations, the decision to cut Hampshire Cultural Trust’s funding by £600,000 from 1 April 2027 was ratified.
Following this decision, Hampshire Cultural Trust sought approval from Hampshire County Council to give notice on the operation of Ashcroft Arts Centre, which was granted in late 2024. Hampshire Cultural Trust will no longer be responsible for operating Ashcroft Arts Centre with effect from 1 April 2025.
Hampshire Cultural Trust categorically does not want to be in a position where it has to consider exiting any of the venues that it operates, however, in light of the significant reduction to its funding, has no option but to do so. Ashcroft Arts Centre is currently closed to the public and will not re-open for the remainder of Hampshire Cultural Trust’s operational responsibility.