A new cultural quarter is to be established in London’s North Finchley, with artsdepot at its hub. £1m has been pledged by the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund – a fund launched last year to improve “the character, quality and economic vitality of high streets in outer London”. The funding will cover new lighting, trees and benches, a space for public art installation and improved signage to create a more welcoming environment and a strong identity for the area. News of the grant represents a welcome vote of confidence in artsdepot by Barnet Council, which submitted North Finchley’s application to the fund. The Conservative-led Council withdrew its funding to artsdepot in March 2011, but is now planning to develop a new landmark library there as part of its plans to support North Finchley as a cultural hub for the borough.
