East Sussex residents ask for 'clear understanding' as to why new cultural centre owners don't pay rent

The former council buildings have been transformed into a new centre by cultural institution Charleston, in partnership with Lewes District Council.

The council believes the centre will bring in 100,000 visitors to the town and £4.2m in revenue each year, but locals have questioned how the centre benefits them, seeing as Charleston does not pay the council anything to rent their building.

One resident wrote on Facebook: “I've just noticed that there is an independent, not part of the Charleston organisation, cafe in Southover House. As Charleston aren't paying rent for the building I'm wondering if the cafe people pay rent and, if they do, whether it goes to LDC or Charleston.

“Not sure where to find the answer but think that LDC council tax payers should have a clear understanding.”

Another person commented: “It does sound as though there are some questions to answer here, even if everything is above board. If an organisation is offered a generous occupancy deal, we should reasonably expect generosity towards the town in return. At £12.50 the Bloomsbury and Fashion exhibition isn't particularly cheap. Was there no opportunity to offer a discount to local residents?”

Lewes District Council confirmed it remained the owner of the building, with Charleston financing the recent work needed to adapt the space into the centre it is today.

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The independent café within the building is run by Caccia and Tails, a catering partner of Charleston. The charity says it relies on some commercial revenue to support the charity’s conservation, access and artistic programme, as it has no ongoing public funding.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “We are delighted that Charleston has now opened the new cultural hub in Lewes which has already attracted more than 3,000 visitors.

“This is a hugely beneficial five-year partnership which, very importantly, includes East Sussex College Group, with the new venue running a free programme of community projects alongside a learning programme for local state schools, further education and higher education groups.

“Alongside the extensive educational opportunities, it is estimated that the new space will generate £4.2m of new visitor spend in the town, which we particularly welcome in our support for town centre businesses, as high streets across the country struggle with vacant shops and a reduction in footfall.

Alongside the extensive educational opportunities, it is estimated that the new space will generate £4.2m of new visitor spend in the town which we particularly welcome in our support for town centre businesses as high streets across the country struggle with vacant shops and a reduction in footfall.

Like so many museums, galleries and other cultural venues – including Brighton Pavilion, Towner, De La Warr Pavilion - under the lease agreement, the council remains the owner of the building and there is a rent-free period which is not unusual for our commercial leases.”

The centre, located on Southover Road, was opened in September and also includes two large galleries, a learning studio and a shop.