THE future of Bracknell's much-loved theatre and arts centre hangs in the balance due to the financial stains of Covid-19.

South Hill Park was forced to close down like many other art centre's across the UK following lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus.

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The CEO Craig Titley made an announcement earlier today that "the future remains uncertain" for South Hill Parks Arts Centre in Bracknell.

He said: "I know this is a worrying and challenging time for everyone but we cannot let the arts and community engagement suffer at a time when we need it the most. Your South Hill Park will disappear if we don't act now.

"We are grateful to the government for the job retention scheme but our monthly costs are greater than staff salaries with annual running costs of £1.2 million every year.

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"The future remains uncertain and some art centres have already closed permanently. When the government announces we can open our doors it will not be turning on a tap, it will take several months to remobilise the staff and building, programme work and create marketing campaigns and with probable social distancing in performance place, we wont be able to sell enough tickets to keep it open." The arts centre has made a donation page online where they hope to raise £500,000 to save it.

He added: "At first we have all the costs and very little income . South hill park has been serving the people for almost five decades and we have a duty to residents to continue that work. As a non to profit charity South Hill Park has to raise money every year but now we need your support more than ever.

"Please consider making a donation and help us secure South Hill Park's future and for generations to come and to know that you made a difference.Make a donation and save your arts centre."

Visit: https://uk.patronbase.com/_SouthHillParkDonate/Products/Donate