THE Anvil Trust will continue to manage The Haymarket for the next three years.

The organisation currently manages The Anvil, The Haymarket and The Forge venues which are owned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Following discussions with the trust, the current lease to manage The Haymarket, which was due to expire in September 2022, will be extended until September 2025.

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Cllr Simon Bound, acting leader of the council, said: “Basingstoke and Deane’s cultural offer is an important part of what makes the borough a great place to live and we are extremely lucky to have these high quality facilities in our area. That is why we continue to provide one of the highest levels of expenditure per head of population on arts and culture out of all district councils across the region.

“As well as playing an important role in our local cultural offer and supporting the vibrancy of our town centre, The Haymarket is also a building of significant historical and cultural importance. Working alongside The Anvil Trust, we are keen to improve the range of activities on offer at the venue to benefit all local performers and residents.”

If the councils budget is backed at the next full council meeting held on Monday, February 28, as part of its strategic grant programme, the council will continue to make an annual investment to the Trust of £395,000, as part of its support for arts and culture organisations in the borough.

Chris Smith, chair of The Anvil Trust, added: “This is great news for Basingstoke and the surrounding area. Investment in arts and culture is a vital part of the recovery of the town centre and the regional economy. We are also delighted to receive this vote of confidence in the Trust’s work with the decision to extend our management of The Haymarket.

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“After such a difficult couple of years for the town and its venues, this is a welcome and positive signal from the Council about the importance it places on arts and culture in the Borough. So many towns are now realising that arts and culture offer the best opportunity to bring people back into their centres to help revitalise the retail and leisure sectors.

“After years of investment in establishing Basingstoke as a centre of cultural excellence, Basingstoke is well positioned for a strong recovery with venues of the quality of The Anvil, The Haymarket and The Forge already established. We have ambitious plans for the future and look forward to playing a full part in the growth and success of the Borough."

Matthew Cleaver, the CEO of Anvil Arts said he is excited to keep welcoming residents back.

He added: “It’s great to see audiences coming back safely to The Haymarket, and The Anvil and The Forge. 

"We have a strong programme lined up for this year with something for everyone,” said Anvil Arts Chief Executive Matthew Cleaver. “New shows are going on sale all the time so check the website anvilarts.org.uk. and join the email list.”

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