Cuts put several museums at risk of closure
Harrow Museum and Spacex art gallery under threat
Harrow Museum in Greater London is at risk of closure in light of cost cutting by Harrow Council, which is looking to make £75m in savings over the next four years.
Other options under consideration include closing some of Harrow’s libraries and Harrow Arts Centre which would be rehoused elsewhere.
“We are in the middle of an eight-week consultation on these options at the moment, and we will be looking carefully at what the public’s priorities are, and any suggestions or proposals that arise at the end of that,” said a spokesman for Harrow council.
He added that the Labour-led council is seeking alternative sources of funding to support these venues, and will approach the Heritage Lottery Fund. The final budget will go before councillors in February.
In Exeter, Spacex, a contemporary art gallery, is threatened with “imminent closure due to recent funding cuts”, according to its website.
Earlier this year, the gallery’s application for a three-year grant from Arts Council England was unsuccessful. Exeter city council provides funding for the space.
Meanwhile, the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey has issued a statement denying that the 300-year-old heritage site will close.
"The trustees… wish to make it clear that there are no immediate plans for its closure or for job losses," the statement said.
"We can confirm that discussions are taking place with potential partners to look at options to maximise the use of the location and to ensure a viable and sustainable future,” say management representatives.
Science-based activities and historical exhibitions are held at the visitor attraction.
Other options under consideration include closing some of Harrow’s libraries and Harrow Arts Centre which would be rehoused elsewhere.
“We are in the middle of an eight-week consultation on these options at the moment, and we will be looking carefully at what the public’s priorities are, and any suggestions or proposals that arise at the end of that,” said a spokesman for Harrow council.
He added that the Labour-led council is seeking alternative sources of funding to support these venues, and will approach the Heritage Lottery Fund. The final budget will go before councillors in February.
In Exeter, Spacex, a contemporary art gallery, is threatened with “imminent closure due to recent funding cuts”, according to its website.
Earlier this year, the gallery’s application for a three-year grant from Arts Council England was unsuccessful. Exeter city council provides funding for the space.
Meanwhile, the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey has issued a statement denying that the 300-year-old heritage site will close.
"The trustees… wish to make it clear that there are no immediate plans for its closure or for job losses," the statement said.
"We can confirm that discussions are taking place with potential partners to look at options to maximise the use of the location and to ensure a viable and sustainable future,” say management representatives.
Science-based activities and historical exhibitions are held at the visitor attraction.