Details of running costs, outline business plans and options for the way forward were all discussed at a meeting organised by Sutton Council at SCOLA in Sutton on Monday night (15 September 2014). It was attended by 35 people representing local drama and arts groups.

The meeting was also told that bookings for the autumn and Christmas season would still go ahead as the theatres would remain open for a time after a decision is made in November.

Sutton Council is proposing the option of either closing or handing over ownership of its theatres because it must save £40m from its annual budget.

To help the detailed discussions, a breakdown of running costs for the venues was provided, along with an indication of what the council would like to see in an outline business case from interested parties.

Senior council officers, Rebecca Morland from the Theatres Trust and Toni Walsh from Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector (SCVS) were on hand to answer questions and explain how community led groups could take over the theatres.

The Theatres Trust showcased three examples of theatres that have been taken over by community trusts to illustrate how local groups could go forward. The three were Weymouth Pavilion, the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft and the Shanklin Theatre on the Isle of Wight.

A number of those attending expressed an interest in exploring the option of community ownership.

Outline ideas were also set out for a proposed arts development service which would enable local groups to use alternative venues and improve the borough’s cultural offering by leveraging the power of Sutton’s already strong arts community.

The proposed budget savings for arts and theatres are a response to the budget reductions for local authorities announced by the government last December. Since then officers have been looking at all areas of council spending to identify possible savings.

Final decisions about the theatres will be taken in November and until then residents can add their views to the online consultation which is now open at www.suttonsfuture.org

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chair of the Environment & Neighbourhoods Committee, said:

“I was delighted at the number of interested groups who took time to come and speak to us and it would be excellent if a community group can come forward with a viable proposition to take ownership of the theatres. Everyone understands the financial pressures the borough is under. Residents are being realistic and have engaged with us in possible solutions, which is enormously helpful.”