Aberdeen Councillors Agree to Start 30-Year Lease Talks for Arts Centre

Aberdeen Arts Centre has secured a path toward its long-term future after city councillors unanimously agreed to enter negotiations on a new 30-year lease that includes an option to purchase the building. The venue faced challenges last year after losing council funding, prompting a major community fundraising campaign and backing from actress Laura Main.

Aberdeen City Council Unanimously Approves Lease Talks

City councillors voted to extend the current lease on the arts centre beyond its expiry next January and begin talks on a new 30-year deal with Castlegate Arts, the charity that operates the venue. As part of the agreement, the council will provide a £50,000 grant for electrical upgrades in the short term. The council and Castlegate Arts will also collaborate on a new long-term funding and development model designed to allow the venue to apply for major capital grants.

Charity Fundraiser Responds to Loss of Funding

The council decision follows a turbulent period for the King Street venue, which lost its council funding last year when Aberdeen City Council stated that the charity’s application did not meet its grant-giving guidance. In response, Castlegate Arts launched a three-year £660,000 funding target. The fundraising effort received high-profile support from Aberdeen-born actress and Call the Midwife star Laura Main, who featured in many performances at the arts centre as a teenager. To date, the charity has successfully raised £350,000 toward its goal.

Castlegate Arts Executive Director Welcomes Decision

We are pleased that Aberdeen City Council has today voted to work with us to secure the future of Aberdeen Arts Centre, Paterson said. She described the venue as the home of grassroots arts in Aberdeen, a hub for early-career creatives to develop and share new work, and a place for the community to come together.

Budget Report Scheduled for Next Year

Council officials and Castlegate Arts will spend the coming months drafting a formal report on the lease negotiations. The document will include alternative options and a costed business case, and it is scheduled to be presented in time for the annual council budget discussions next year.