Lambeth Lib Dems furious after Streatham’s only arts venue closes

Lambeth Liberal Democrats have hit out at the Labour-run council after the closure of Streatham’s only arts venue.

Streatham Space Project (SSP), in Sternhold Avenue, announced it would close its doors on March 13.

In a statement, the SSP said: “Today we share the news that none of us wanted to. SSP is to close.

“We want to thank you for caring, participating and making SSP the beautiful home for arts and community it is.

“These spaces are so important to have. Times are tough and getting tougher but with each other we’ll find a way through.”

Since opening in 2018, SSP has programmed more than 600 shows and events, welcomed more than 40,000 visitors and offered 28,000 affordable tickets for its arts and culture events.

Almost 1,000 emerging artists have been supported by SSP’s mentoring team and offered subsidised rehearsal space while thousands of families have enjoyed free Family Days of affordable children’s theatre shows and workshops.

The SSP announced it would scale back operations in September 2024, due to financial difficulties.

At the time, Liberal Democrat Cllr Donna Harris wrote to Lambeth council suggesting financial assistance from the Community Infrastructure Levy – money the council recovers from developers to help community assets. 

But, the leader of the opposition did not receive a response.

A Lambeth council spokesman said SSP had leased the venue “at a peppercorn rent” since 2018, backed by “significant council investment”, including more than £76,000 in government covid grant funding. 

But, he said, the local authority “could not justify” providing further assistance to the organisation due to its own financial woes.

Despite its best efforts to reduce overheads and pursue other funding options, the SSP’s board of trustees said the effects of the pandemic, increasing energy prices and reduced funding from Arts Council England meant the venue could not avoid closure.

In a statement, chair of Trustees Brian Harris said:  “Any person working in the arts can tell you, the increasingly difficult funding and financial climate is deeply worrying – it prevents vital stories from being told, important ideas from being explored, reduces creativity and joy to luxuries only accessible to those who can afford them and is impacting on the next generation of theatre makers and arts practitioners.”

But, Cllr Harris has doubled down on her calls to keep the venue open.

She said: “Just because the current stakeholder has failed, the venue should not close – lessons must be learned.

“This venue was funded by developers for the community, and it should remain that way, not be sold off for profit. The SSP must not be lost; we need a community asset like this in the south of the borough.”

Lambeth council said it is working with the owners of the building to find new tenants to ensure the venue will “continue buzzing with creative energy”.

A spokesman said: “The council’s absolute priority is safeguarding this venue and enabling it to flourish for the benefit of the entire Streatham community. This is why we have given the SSP an exceptional level of assistance and financial support over several years.”  

Pictured top: Streatham Space Project announced its closure on March 13 (Picture: Lambeth Liberal Democrats)