Concern independent artists to be made 'homeless'

Concerns have been risen that a town's independent artists could be left without a studio due to changing redevelopment plans.

Plans to demolish Lansdown Industrial Estate in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, were approved in January 2024 to make space for 215 homes, an art studio and mixed-use commercial units, but they have now been delayed.

An agreement to give the artists who work there a new premises on the site may now be changed amid negotiations between Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheshire West And Chester Council, who administer the Cheshire Pension Fund.

"Cheltenham's only remaining independent collective of artists must not be made homeless," said the town's MP Max Wilkinson.

He added: "Whatever discussions the fund is having with the council, the deal with the Lansdown artists was made in good faith and it must not be dropped."

Mr Wilkinson said the artists had initially objected to the site's redevelopment, but later withdrew after Cheltenham Borough Council helped them negotiate a deal for new premises on the site.

The Liberal Democrat MP has written to the council, hoping it will help preserve the town's only independent art studios.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said: "I'm concerned that the previous agreements made by the Cheshire Pension Fund now seem to be threatened by endless planning negotiations."

Councillor Mike Collins said Cheltenham Borough Council had been actively engaging with the artist studio.

A Cheshire Pension Fund spokesperson said they continue to work with both the artists and planning officers "to identify suitable re-homing for the artists".

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