Council Talking to New Developers for Watermans Art Centre

Councillor says company behind original scheme has withdrawn

It is not clear whether designs for Half Acre scheme can still be used. Picture: LGL

October 8, 2024

A senior Hounslow councillor has confirmed that the company behind the scheme to develop a new arts centre in Brentford has pulled out of the project.

Cllr Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, whose brief covers the handling of the Watermans issue, was speaking at a recent meeting of the Hounslow South, Isleworth and Spring Grove Area Forum.

When the topic of the arts centre was raised, he said, “Even though the original developer had pulled out of that site, we are in active conversations to bring in new developers to develop the police station site and build a new arts centre. That is a guarantee to do that. That is our absolute number one priority to reprovide an arts centre in Brentford and I would see that, hopefully, as being an even better arts centre than we had before.”

The developer which gained planning permission for the twin developments at the site of the Watermans Art Centre on Brentford High Street and the former police station was London Green which changed its name to LGL earlier this year.

We have requested confirmation from the company that it is intending to proceed with the project. Details of the Half Acre scheme remain on its web site.

Cllr Shaheen later clarified his comments by saying he wasn't referring to LGL but rather Peabody the housing association responsible for provision in the scheme. The discussions ongoing are to seek a new entity to take on this role.

The original intention was that market sales of flats on the High Street site, the Albany Riverside development, would fund a new arts centre at Half Acre.

Cllr Shaheen did not make it clear whether or not the Half Acre scheme would now be a stand-alone development or whether the intention was still to link the two sites.

Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said, “Discussions are still ongoing and we are not in a position to provide further details at this stage. We understand there is interest in the future of this development and an update will be reported to Cabinet.”

It had long been rumoured that LGL was seeking to improve the terms under which the project would be built including a reduction in the affordable housing component. The company was arguing that rising construction costs had wiped out its profit margin under the original proposals.

The new arts centre would have been on the ground floor of a block of flats. Picture: LGL

This May the council submitted a planning application to itself which was designed to stop the permission for the Half Acre site development expiring. This normally happens four years after approval was given but the new permission granted on 23 August means that it is still possible to proceed with the original plans.

It is not clear whether the council, along with a new developer, could take over the existing approved designs to proceed with the scheme. We have asked the council for clarification.

Steve Sargeant, Director at Brentford Arts Works, a local community interest company seeking to restore and arts centre to the area, said, "Whilst we continue to be disappointed with the lack of clarity around the old Watermans venue at 40 High Street, we understand the complexity around this site. Cllr Shaheen's comments relating to a future developer for the Half Acre site provide some reassurance. We are hopeful that construction of a new Arts Centre can be expedited in order that Arts and Culture can be prioritised for Brentford, given the myriad benefits for residents. We continue to dialogue with the Council and look forward to hearing more from Hounslow Council members and remain hopeful that Arts and Culture experts and stakeholders from Brentford will have an active part to play in this process."

An overview of LGL's designs for the Half Acre site

The group acknowledges that the arts is facing a crisis across the UK with venues in Birmingham, Oldham and Cardiff currently facing funding uncertainty or closure but points out that the human cost of these cultural cuts is deeply felt in communities.

Sarah Thompson, a Brentford resident and longtime supporter of the arts centre, said, "Watermans was where my children first experienced live theatre. It's heartbreaking to think that future generations might miss out on such formative experiences."

Local councils are under immense pressure to prioritise essential services, often at the expense of cultural funding. According to a report by the Local Government Association, cultural spending by councils has decreased by 38% in the past decade. However, investing in the arts has proven economic benefits. The Creative Industries Federation reports that the creative sector contributes over £111 billion to the UK economy annually. Moreover, arts venues like Watermans can play a crucial role in community cohesion and mental well-being.

Artists who relied on the venue to showcase their work are also feeling the strain. Michael O'Connor, a local playwright, added, "Losing a space like Watermans doesn't just affect audiences; it impacts the entire creative ecosystem. We need places that nurture local talent."

Brentford Arts Works is focused on a ‘meanwhile’ use for 40 High Street and says it is making significant strides. It is exploring funding options and has proposed a collaborative model that would involve community investment, corporate sponsorships, and potential grants.

It says its efforts mirror successful campaigns like the one of Theatr Clwyd in Wales, which secured £1 million from the Arts Council of Wales in July 2023 after a community campaign highlighted its value. The Donmar Warehouse in London launched a fundraising initiative in June 2023 that raised over £500,000, ensuring its continued operation.

The group is also following the story of The Beck Theatre in Hayes with great interest as the public show of support from the community against its imminent closure has gained much coverage in the press and media.

The Watermans Arts Centre has been closed to the public since 11 April after the Hounslow Arts Trust announced it could no longer afford to keep it running.