More than 600 pledges totaling over £117,000 have been made to support Sevenoaks Town Council's plan to buy the freehold of The Stag Theatre and Cinema from Sevenoaks District Council. The campaign aims to secure the venue's long-term future.
Community support for theatre purchase
The town council believes owning the freehold would offer long-term security for the venue, enabling greater investment and protection from future changes in landlord decisions. The Stag, located in London Road, Sevenoaks, is currently leased by the town council and has been operated on a not-for-profit basis since 2009 in partnership with the Stag Community Arts Centre charity.
Cllr Victoria Granville, Mayor of Sevenoaks, said: "Many thanks to the hundreds of people who have pledged their support for Sevenoaks Town Council's plans to purchase the freehold of the Stag. Your support is a tremendous vote of confidence in the Stag and its important contribution to our local community."
Funding and next steps
The town council aims to raise £100,000 in donations towards the £650,000 purchase price, which it plans to fund through a combination of a Public Works Loan, capital reserves and community contributions. With the pledge target now reached, the council will begin contacting supporters to fulfil their donations.
The district council approved three options for the theatre's future at a recent cabinet meeting in June: selling the freehold to the town council, granting a 30-year lease at a peppercorn rent, or transferring the venue during local government reorganisation.
Community and council perspectives
A petition calling for local control of The Stag has gathered more than 7,500 signatures, according to information published by the town council. Sevenoaks District Council has said its position reflects independent legal, audit and valuation advice, as well as its responsibilities to taxpayers and the need to protect public assets.
The Stag is an Asset of Community Value and is considered an important part of the area's cultural offer. The town council will now proceed with contacting supporters to collect pledged donations, moving forward with the purchase process.
