A SPECIALIST arts group will continue to be supported by Darlington Borough Council after it achieved charitable status.

The Bridge Centre for Visual Arts opened in 2012 to provide people with the opportunity to take part in artistic activities following the closure of the town’s Arts Centre.

Designated as a community asset of Darlington For Culture, the centre hosts several different groups ranging from arts projects working with adult social care to exhibition space for local artists.

A report set to go before the local authority’s cabinet committee next week aims to look at the future financial impact the centre has on its budgets now that it has achieved charitable status.

Members are being urged to agree a 25-year lease of the centre, on Yarm Road, to operate a multi-purpose visual arts service with the first five years on a nominal, peppercorn rent.

The report reads: “Whilst it has received considerable support from the Council, the Bridge has developed a charitable company over three years with a bank account and has generated income from events, adult art courses and individuals and groups who pay to use the building to deliver their own activity.

“This income has supported the ongoing operation and development of the building. The charitable company has undertaken this work on a voluntary basis and is committed to developing opportunities to enjoy visual arts activity in Darlington.

“The organisation has recently been approved as a Registered Charity, they have a small board which they are seeking to develop. The plan proposes that the Council grant the Bridge a long term lease of the building and site and that the Bridge continue to run it as now, paying a peppercorn rent for the first five years to enable them to establish a strong resource base.

“Their business case includes the Council retaining responsibility for external repairs and maintenance of the building. They expect to secure income from a small number of key tenants, room hire, ‘other income’ including events and fundraising, and to operate initially on an entirely voluntary “workforce”. The Bridge has expressed interest in an option to buy the building at some point.”

The meeting takes place in the town hall on Wednesday, January 17 at 5pm.