Venue will only operate from Wednesdays to Sundays
Changes described as temporary. Picture: Watermans
The Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford has announced that it is to no longer open for seven days a week.
It will now be open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, which are its busiest days, with the changes taking effect next week starting on Monday 17 April.
The venue says it has been forced into the move due to the impact of a steep rise in energy costs.
In an update to customers it said, “In the current challenging economic climate Watermans, like a number of other arts venues, is making some temporary changes to the way it operates.
“Watermans remains focused on providing a high-quality year-round programme of cinema, theatre and visual arts events and delivering this with a view to maintaining a healthy and resilient arts charity inspiring the communities it serves.”
The centre faced huge challenges during the Covid pandemic and was forced to close for extended periods as well as being required to enforce social distancing which limited ticket sales. As well as support from grant funding, it also received donations from members of the public to keep operated and increased parking charges last October to boost revenue.
It is anticipated that further progress will be announced shortly on a move for the centre to a new site on Long Acre.
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April 15, 2023