Arts centre eyes Brentford move

A renowned arts centre in Brentford is eyeing up a move to the centre of the town – but an official has admitted there are no concrete plans to make the move in the immediate future.

The outlook for Watermans Art Centre has been shrouded in uncertainty amid rumours over whether it will feature in the town’s redeveloped high street.

Irish developer Ballymore displayed plans at the end of last year showing a space for Watermans, but there has been no confirmation from the centre as to how it will make the move in practice. Watermans marketing manager Leigh Stops said the facility now needs “a building for the 21st century” but admitted they have not even contacted architects up to now “as there was no guarantee we would be able to move”.

Brentford Chamber of Commerce president Suzie Betlam said it is “brilliant news” the arts centre wants to make the move after outgrowing its current site, but added:

“The next problem is who is going to fund it? Ballymore can give them the space but it’s not up to them to provide the funds to build it, it’s got to go out to the private market.”

Meanwhile, the Watermans marketing manager revealed the arts centre is introducing car parking charges of around £1 for two hours from next month to raise funds and deter drivers from leaving their cars at the site.

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