Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth is to close in January, following an announcement by the Watersmeet Trust that the venue is not viable without a guaranteed revenue subsidy. The Watersmeet Trust took over the running of the 481-seat theatre from Three Rivers District Council in April this year, after the Council had decided to close the building on the grounds that ?a miserly central government grant settlement for the district? meant that it was no longer affordable (see ArtsProfessional issue 43, February 10, 2003).
Subsidised with a sum of £480,000 a year, it was deemed to be ?placing an unacceptable burden on local taxpayers?. The Council eventually agreed a £310,000 package over three years and a 25-year lease to back the Trust, but this has proved insufficient to keep Watersmeet open. Discussions will now be taking place about the long-term use of the building, but no commitment has been made to retain the venue as an arts facility. A spokesperson for the Council said, ?South Hertfordshire is fortunate to have good theatre provision, including two theatres in Watford. There are also good public transport links with London... We will be exploring future uses of the building in the best interests of the people in the district.? Chairman of the Trust, Richard Jones said, ?Members of the Trust remain totally committed to Watersmeet as an arts, leisure and community building and if able to secure a realistic level of financial support from whatever source, the Trust would plan to re-launch Watersmeet in the early autumn of 2005.?
Published: 29-11-2004
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