STAFF at The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre were relieved this week, when the lease on the building was extended. The arts centre, in Station Road, Bordon, faced an uncertain future when proposals to sell Army land were put forward. But the Ministry of Defence, which owns the building, has agreed that the Phoenix may remain at Barbados House, with a renewable lease, until plans for the future of the town are drawn up by master planners. Phoenix director Jane Dawes has been in constant communication with East Hampshire MP James Arbuthnot, the MoD, as well as town and district councillors, to ensure that the Phoenix will be able to continue to operate. She said: "I am so pleased that we have this reassurance, as we have been feeling extremely vulnerable with all the uncertainty over our future. We can now continue to operate in a more positive manner and serve the community and our many regular users, as well as attracting a more diverse customer base." Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence Derek Twigg said: "The master planning work for the future of Whitehill and Bordon would include options for the continuation of the Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre. "The specialist master planners, who will draw up the detailed town plan to see through the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon once the military leave, are currently being appointed by East Hampshire District Council. Their work is scheduled to start this autumn and will involve a great deal of community consultation. The future of Louisberg Barracks, where the theatre building is located, will be decided through the master planning design. "You will be pleased to know that in order to give the Phoenix Theatre more comfort, we have offered the opportunity to continue to lease the building while its future is secured." The trustees of the Barbados House Association – the charity which manages The Phoenix - are looking at plans for the refurbishment of the building, should the organisation be able to remain there long term, subject to the designs of the master plan. The trustees will also look at their requirements should a new building be allocated as an alternative.
