By Local Democracy Reporter Simon Finlay
The founder of a community theatre in Broadstairs remains “100% positive” about its future despite plans to sell off its building.
Michael Wheatley-Ward, who set up the Sarah Thorne Theatre 17 years ago, says he hopes cross-party support will strengthen the case to halt Kent County Council’s disposal of its home at the Memorial Hall and Pottery.
The cash-strapped council, in the face of squeezed government funding and soaring costs, has been forced to put much of its building portfolio on the market.
The Sarah Thorne is the only theatre in Broadstairs and puts on a pantomime each year as well as being the venue for charity events and musical performances.
Mr Wheatley-Ward said his solicitors are in the process of negotiating a five-year lease with KCC as an interim measure.
He added: “I do understand KCC’s position. Everything has been put on hold because of the elections in May but I remain 100% positive about the future.”
Broadstairs town councillors have asked KCC to wait until the outcome of the reorganisation of local government in Kent becomes clear.
But KCC, which may not exist in three years’ time because of the government reforms, will still have to run its services on tight budgets which have decimated discretionary spending.
The authority’s leaders have warned that KCC could eventually be able run only services it is required to by law, such as adult social care.
Deputy cabinet member for finance, Cllr Harry Rayner, said selling buildings on the commercial market is the “right thing to do” in the circumstances.
He added: “In general terms, it is not something we would choose to do but we cannot discount the market because it would be to the disadvantage of the tax payer.”
‘Halt the process’
The letter from Broadstairs councillors to KCC, asking for a pause in the planned sale, stated: “To sell it off at the start of this process without fully understanding how the whole devolution process will unfold, seems to us hasty and ill-conceived.
“We request Kent County Council halt the process whilst plans for the long term future of our communities can be considered and mapped out.
“Our community buildings, infrastructure and amenities will form an integral part of the new local government landscape and they should not just be sold off to the highest bidder with scant concern for the people they have successfully served for many years.”
KCC’s policy on asset disposal states the authority “holds building and land assets for the purposes of delivering and supporting service delivery and deriving a financial return (capital and/or revenue) to support KCC’s financial position”.
It adds: “Where KCC has no further use or redeployment of these assets they are declared surplus. Surplus assets should be disposed of, which means sell or transfer them on to a new owner.”
‘Five year lease’
A Sarah Thorne Theatre statement said: “Sarah Thorne has invested a six figure amount in this building and is solvent with cash reserves.
“Currently our solicitors are discussing a five year lease with KCC as an interim measure. We hope the politicians see sense and allow this building, built by public subscription, to remain in the hands of the town.
“We are so confident of our future that we have announced our pantomime for this year, Dick Whittington and also our plans for 2026 when we will stage Jack and the Beanstalk.”
KCC p[lans to sell off the Pie Factory Music building in St Lawrence are also on hold until after the May election.
