Plans to redevelop Harrow Arts Centre into a 'Southbank Centre for North London' were given a boost last night when Harrow Council cabinet agreed to hand over its arts and heritage services to an independent charitable trust.

Cultura London is raising funds to modernise the arts centre and make it financially successful by building a cinema, galleries, cafes, bars and a new larger theatre to compliment the site's historic Elliott Hall.

But opposition councillors branded the cabinet's decision a "tragic irony".

Cllr Susan Hall, representative for Hatch End, said: "It's a tragic irony that this administration is campaigning to save the arts centre from itself."

The centre faced closure when Harrow Council announced that because of cuts imposed by central Government it could no longer afford its £500,000 annual subsidy.

The decision last night means that Harrow Arts Centre will now remain open, but some £3.5 million needs to be raised to secure its future and begin the redevelopment.

More than £2 million of the funding will need to come from grants, which will then trigger a £1 million loan from Harrow Council.

A community fundraising campaign has so far raised more than £30,000 towards phase one of the project, which will be to demolish some of the temporary buildings at the site and build the cinema.

But Cllr Hall said she was extremely concerned for the arts centre and wanted to know what contingencies were in place should Cultura London fail to meet the fundraising target of £2.4 million by July.

She said: "There are no contingencies at all. Could services provided by the arts centre be reduced or wound up eventually?

"Residents have contacted me because they feel concerned the site will be sold to developers.

"Can you rule out the option of selling the site?"

Cllr Sue Anderson, cabinet member responsible for culture, denied there were any plans to sell the site and was positive Cultura London's plans could be achieved.

Harrow Times:

She said there was "fantastic public support for the arts centre" and that Cultura London's charity status would help fundraising efforts in terms of claiming tax back and with grant applications.

But added the redevelopment project and its fundraising were Cultura London's responsibility.

Cllr Anderson said: "We have had several cuts imposed on us by central Government and a removal from our budget of £83 million. The effect on our discretionary services, such as arts and culture, will be severe.

"We all value Harrow Arts Centre, it serves the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our residents."

She continued: "We have helped set up a charitable trust and this report asks that we transfer services to that body.

"It also seeks approval of a £1 million loan to that project, depending on fundraising up to July.

"I hope you will support it."

During public questions Cllr Anderson was asked if the council would make an initial grant to show the authority was "more fully committed" to the enterprise, but she said it would not be possible.

The decision means Cultura London will now also be responsible for Headstone Manor and Museum as well as Harrow Music Service.

To pledge money to Cultura London’s fundraising effort, call the pledge line 020 8938 3720 or visit www.culturalondon.uk.